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Depending on where you need to go and how long you need to be there, parking can be a nightmare at the best of times. Signposted parking restrictions are often confusing. Paying the right amount and avoiding a fine is easier said than done in many cases.

Now, it would seem some motorists are also having to contend with hidden fees. Ticketless parking systems have been popping up across the state and have been adopted by a number of councils. They can help reduce the administrative cost to councils and provide data on demand for parking in a particular area. 

But the government says some drivers using parking apps have been slugged with additional charges that can add more than 10 per cent to the cost of parking. These include reminder notifications costing 34 cents per message. 

Under proposed changes to the Pay Parking and Controlled Loading Zone Guidelines, local councils will need to ensure that drivers only pay the signposted cost of parking, with no additional surcharges for use of an app. 

NSW Roads Minister John Graham says motorists aren’t happy about the hidden fees.  

“Many motorists have been surprised and annoyed to find out the friendly reminder that their parking is running out comes with its own sting in the tail of another 34 cents on top of the bill,” he says.  

Current laws mean that the cost of administering pay parking schemes must be covered by parking authorities, which include councils. 

Graham says regardless of how you pay, the cost of parking should be what it says on the sign. “It’s a simple concept that we want all councils to get onboard with and we are inviting their feedback to help shape improvements for the consumer.” 

The minister says data associated with ticketless parking is invaluable for making improvements at street level and reminders are a good way to avoid a parking fine.