Aussies shocked by this questionable parking act near hospital

In the hustle and bustle of the city, finding a parking spot can be a daunting task, especially near busy hospitals. However, one driver devised a creative, albeit questionable, method to park their car and evade parking violations.

A Melbourne resident took to social media after noticing it when visiting a relative at Monash Health in Clayton.



The resident, who had been circling the block searching for a parking spot, stumbled upon the bewildering sight.

Two streets back from the hospital, a white Volkswagen Golf was parked behind a 'No Standing' sign. But what caught her eye was the missing number plate on the car.


Screenshot 2024-02-19 130528.png
A Melbourne resident spotted a white Volkswagen Golf with missing plates parked underneath a 'No Standing' sign. Image source: Facebook



The resident, who had passed the spot earlier, noted that the car hadn't been there before.

She shared the photo on social media, sparking a flurry of reactions.

'If the car owner's intention was to avoid a parking ticket by removing the plate, kudos to them for their creativity,' she stated.



'There is a bit of larrikin in all of us that wants to see the underdog triumph,’ she added.

She spotted the car on the corner of Fregon Road and Murray Street, just a few minutes walk from Clayton Police Station.

Instead of being annoyed or irritated, the resident expressed understanding. She pointed out the high cost of parking at the hospital's multi-level car park, especially for frequent visitors.

‘What if the driver wanted to visit someone at Monash Health, but the only way to park close by and avoid a fine was to remove their number plate? Perhaps the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on their dashboard was also obscured,’ the resident shared.

‘Having a family member that is seriously unwell gives you perspective, so the parking infringement is low on my list of priorities. Also, l don't know the person's circumstances as to why they parked illegally with no number plate visible.’



The incident sparked a debate online, with some applauding the driver's sneaky move while others warned of its potential consequences.

'Great idea for next time—remove your number plates, and they can’t book you,' one person wrote sarcastically.

Others pointed out the risk of the car being towed away and the difficulty of relocating it without the plates.

‘If a [police officer] spots it without plates, it will cop a fine all the same,’ another commenter said.

Monash Mayor Nicky Luo weighed in, stating that the driver would have faced serious consequences if spotted.

‘“No stopping” parking zones ensure the safe movement of people using our roads,' Ms Luo said. 'If a parking enforcement officer had seen this car parked in this spot, a fine would have been issued.'

It's unclear whether the Volkswagen driver was driving without number plates or had removed them intentionally to avoid a fine. In any case, both actions are illegal.



Most states also fine drivers if their licence plate is dirty, obscured, or illegible.

The Vic Roads website states that all registered vehicles must display number plates visible from a distance of 20 metres.

In Victoria, the fine for driving with an obscured licence plate is $110; in New South Wales, it's much higher at $464.

Key Takeaways

  • An Aussie motorist's parking technique near a Melbourne hospital sparked an online debate, with a photo showing a white Volkswagen Golf parked behind a ‘No Standing’ sign without visible number plates.
  • The local resident who captured the image mentioned the high cost of hospital parking and the challenges faced by frequent visitors, suggesting a degree of understanding towards the driver's actions.
  • Monash Mayor Nicky Luo emphasised that the car would have received a fine if spotted by Parking Enforcement Officers, as 'No stopping' zones are crucial for safe road use.
  • It was highlighted that driving without a number plate is illegal in all Australian states, with fines for obscured or missing plates ranging from $110 in Victoria to $464 in NSW, according to the respective states' laws.

What are your thoughts on this parking technique, members? Have you ever struggled to find parking near a hospital? Share your experiences and ideas in the comments below.
 

Seniors Discount Club

Sponsored content

Info
Loading data . . .
Plates could have been pinched?
If the car owner starts getting Toll-Evasion notices, don't be surprised.
 
Just get it towed if your taking a photo and putting it on social media ring the council simple, or let all 4 tyre's down 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
 
Maybe someone stole the plates to use on another car in commission of a crime? Just a thought, that's what I'd say to the magistrate, fuk councils and their money making machine.
 
  • Like
Reactions: maherdj
When my hubby was in the ICU for a week, then a ward for 4 weeks, there was no way I could have managed to pay the HUGE parking for all the hours I was spending there.
The ICU suggested that I talk to the Welfare rep in the hospital, which I did. I was given a free parking pass for a full month, and then another week. It was very much appreciated.
Because I used to go so early, I never had problems getting a park, however, if you go to any hospital during normal hours, it can be a nightmare.
I can understand someone being so frustrated that they would remove the plates, however, a little misguided. Not only might tow away be on the cards, but also a fine for car without plates. Mind you, I once had number plates stolen off my car in broad daylight when it was parked outside. They do get pinched, but should be reported.
When we started our visits for hubby's cancer treatment, parking was crazy. The public transport was pretty much non-existent from our house, so, we used to ask people to drop us off, then catch a taxi home. That got expensive, so I approached the aged care provider who gave us a Cabcharge account, specifically for medical visits. It has been a godsend. You don't get if you don't ask.
As the saying goes, every problem has a solution. I don't think removing number plates would have been the wisest choice.
 
I just wish someone, maybe our government would step in & stop this practice of having to pay to park at a Hospital. Monash Heart Hospital is one of the dearest. Our Grandaughter had to take herself to the Dandenong Hospital last Friday as she was mauled by a cat at her work. She is a Vet Nurse. Had to have surgery. Not happy to find her car parking had cost her $69! It is unfair! Visit a friend in hospital always costs you so much. Why do they do it? It should be stopped!
 

Join the conversation

News, deals, games, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.

Seniors Discount Club

The SDC searches for the best deals, discounts, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.
  1. New members
  2. Jokes & fun
  3. Photography
  4. Nostalgia / Yesterday's Australia
  5. Food and Lifestyle
  6. Money Saving Hacks
  7. Offtopic / Everything else

Latest Articles

  • We believe that retirement should be a time to relax and enjoy life, not worry about money. That's why we're here to help our members make the most of their retirement years. If you're over 60 and looking for ways to save money, connect with others, and have a laugh, we’d love to have you aboard.
  • Advertise with us

User Menu

Enjoyed Reading our Story?

  • Share this forum to your loved ones.
Change Weather Postcode×
Change Petrol Postcode×