The City of Sydney council has accumulated almost $50,000 in road fines over the past five years, with its staff receiving 163 infringements for speeding, running red lights, and other driving offences. This comes despite the council's push to reduce speed limits to 30 km/h in the city centre.
According to data obtained by The Daily Telegraph, council vehicles were issued 58 speeding tickets, 60 red light offences, 31 parking fines, nine bus lane violations, and five mobile phone use infringements. A total of 39 staff members were fined, with one individual receiving eight penalties.
The council's draft Access Strategy, which closed for public submissions in early August, advocates for lower speeds to encourage walking and cycling and achieve 'Vision Zero' for road safety. However, the fines have drawn accusations of hypocrisy, with Liberal Councillor Lyndon Gannon stating, 'It really is a case of do as I say, not as I do.'
A City of Sydney spokesperson confirmed that all responsible drivers have been identified and have paid their fines. The council requires staff to report any infringement immediately and mandates safe driving training before authorising use of its 248 vehicles. Repeat offenders face a review of their driving privileges.
