Hidden sign stumps motorist for $300!
- Replies 52
Navigating the urban jungle can be tricky enough without the added hassle of unfair parking fines.
However, what happens when the very signs meant to guide us are hidden from view?
This was the predicament faced by a motorist who was slapped with a $300 fine, sparking a debate on the fairness of such rules.
Juan's story is a cautionary tale for all drivers. After pulling over along William Street in Sydney's CBD to let a friend out, he was fined $300 by a city ranger.
The 'no stopping' sign, hidden behind the lush foliage of a council-planted tree, was invisible to him and other drivers.
‘How are drivers supposed to know we can't do something if the sign is completely out of sight, in this case, by a tree planted by the council?’ Juan argued.
‘The last sign you can see when driving towards the intersection is a parking sign, so you would naturally think it is possible to stop after that.’
Juan's attempt to contest the fine, complete with photographic evidence of the obscured sign, was met with rejection. The City of Sydney Council insisted that the signs were clear, despite later actions to trim the tree suggesting otherwise.
This incident raised important questions about the responsibilities of both motorists and councils.
When the City of Sydney Council was asked if they had pruned the tree after the fine was imposed, no direct answer was provided.
However, a spokesperson said, ‘City rangers and tree inspectors proactively report signs that are obstructed by vegetation,’ and the required maintenance will be undertaken upon reporting.
‘It is a motorist’s responsibility to always park legally,’ they asserted.
‘If motorists believe a mistake has been made, they can request a review of the fine through Revenue NSW or elect to have the matter heard in court.’
This was not the first time that parking enforcement had been a source of contention.
Recently, another motorist was fined in Sydney for a similar parking violation due to confusing signs.
In a more previous case, a scooter driver was also fined over parking violations, sparking yet another debate among spectators.
What are your thoughts on Juan’s situation? Have you ever been fined due to an obscured sign? What was your experience in dealing with the council or authority? Share your stories and tips in the comments below!
However, what happens when the very signs meant to guide us are hidden from view?
This was the predicament faced by a motorist who was slapped with a $300 fine, sparking a debate on the fairness of such rules.
Juan's story is a cautionary tale for all drivers. After pulling over along William Street in Sydney's CBD to let a friend out, he was fined $300 by a city ranger.
The 'no stopping' sign, hidden behind the lush foliage of a council-planted tree, was invisible to him and other drivers.
A motorist was fined $300 for parking in a ‘no stopping’ zone, but the sign was blocked by a tree planted by the city council. Credits: Facebook / 9News
‘How are drivers supposed to know we can't do something if the sign is completely out of sight, in this case, by a tree planted by the council?’ Juan argued.
‘The last sign you can see when driving towards the intersection is a parking sign, so you would naturally think it is possible to stop after that.’
Juan's attempt to contest the fine, complete with photographic evidence of the obscured sign, was met with rejection. The City of Sydney Council insisted that the signs were clear, despite later actions to trim the tree suggesting otherwise.
This incident raised important questions about the responsibilities of both motorists and councils.
When the City of Sydney Council was asked if they had pruned the tree after the fine was imposed, no direct answer was provided.
However, a spokesperson said, ‘City rangers and tree inspectors proactively report signs that are obstructed by vegetation,’ and the required maintenance will be undertaken upon reporting.
‘It is a motorist’s responsibility to always park legally,’ they asserted.
‘If motorists believe a mistake has been made, they can request a review of the fine through Revenue NSW or elect to have the matter heard in court.’
This was not the first time that parking enforcement had been a source of contention.
Recently, another motorist was fined in Sydney for a similar parking violation due to confusing signs.
In a more previous case, a scooter driver was also fined over parking violations, sparking yet another debate among spectators.
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I guess, as Yogi Bear would say.
