The allure of Australia's beaches is undeniable. Their golden sands and rolling waves beckon locals and tourists alike to bask in their natural beauty.

But for one woman, a brief pause to admire the surf turned into an unexpected and costly lesson in parking regulations.


Amy Sloane was drawn to the picturesque scene at The Esplanade at New South Wales' Caves Beach.

On 6 July, she stopped her car to check the surf conditions, a seemingly harmless act many beachgoers might do without a second thought.

However, this quick stop resulted in a $136 fine in her mailbox weeks later, leaving her both surprised and frustrated.


'How do I feel? Pissed off,' she expressed.

‘Rangers can't fine people who don't pick up after their dogs on our beaches but can secretly fine you without you knowing for just checking out the surf for five minutes.’

Amy felt that the fine was issued stealthily, without any immediate indication from the parking inspector that she had committed an offence.


She didn't mince words when she labelled the council workers as 'cowards,' highlighting that the area where she stopped is a familiar spot for locals and tourists to enjoy the view.

However, the council had a different perspective. Lake Macquarie City Council defended the fine.

‘The fine at hand was issued for not parallel parking in the direction of travel, which is a safety offence under Australian Road Rules.’ the council spokesperson explained.

‘The driver's vehicle crossed double white lines and was parked near a bend, facing oncoming traffic, which further heightened safety concerns,’

‘Lake Macquarie City Council enforces parking regulations to ensure the safety of all road users.


The reaction on social media to Amy's predicament was mixed.

While some sympathised with her frustration, others argued that the fine was justified.'

‘If you think the fine is wrong, fight it. If you were parked incorrectly, wear the fine,' one commenter advised.

Ultimately, Amy decided to pay the fine, albeit reluctantly.


In related news, parking across your driveway is illegal in New South Wales and can result in substantial fines.

A Sydney resident received a fine for parking across her driveway, unaware that it was against the law. Read more about the incident here.
Have you ever encountered or been in a similar situation before? Please share your experiences and tips on how to avoid parking fines in the comments below.