Hidden sign stumps motorist for $300!

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.


Screenshot 2024-03-28 122418.jpg
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.
Key Takeaways
  • A motorist received a $300 fine for stopping in a 'no stopping' zone, despite the sign being obscured by a bushy tree.
  • The City of Sydney Council has stood by the penalty even after the tree was pruned to reveal the previously hidden sign.
  • The driver, Juan, contested the fine and provided evidence that the no stopping sign was not visible, but his appeal was rejected.
  • The City of Sydney stated it is a motorist's responsibility to park legally and that obscured signs can be reported for maintenance, but did not confirm if the pruning was a result of the fine appeal.
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!
 
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Always carry a chain saw plus bar oil, stroke and wedges in the back of your car.........
 
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Reactions: Observer
Take a photo of the tree obstructing the sign and include it in an email fighting the fairness iof the fine and also send it to the council about obstruction of road rules citing that you are fighting this fine. Hopefully it will be dismissed by the traffic authorities and the tree chopped back. Good luck
 
With all the attention that this article is receiving, I am going to bet that they will scrap the fine.
 
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Reactions: IAN3005
Whilst in Brisbane Queensland obey all traffic signs. Those you can read, those you cannot read, those which are hidden and especially those with no paint on them. Sign photo taken 8 December 2023 and stills remains blank in April even though the sticker reads new sign ordered. Good one Lord Mayor.
 

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Reactions: Ezzy
It’s the same with roundabouts. Why do they plant tall plants in them and obscure driver’s views??
Yes, Roundabouts should all be flat across them so You can see other cars coming from the opposite direction. They don't seem to notice if the roundabout is on a piece of higher or LOWER Ground... still the same, but it can make a huge difference if You can see cars coming from the opposite direction etc...
 
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Reactions: Ezzy and Jen77au
Yes, Roundabouts should all be flat across them so You can see other cars coming from the opposite direction. They don't seem to notice if the roundabout is on a piece of higher or LOWER Ground... still the same, but it can make a huge difference if You can see cars coming from the opposite direction etc...
Absolutely!
 
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Reactions: Ezzy
Disgusting Blant Revenue Raising with NO compassion OR responsibility for the MISTAKE THEY had made! Again DISGUSTING! There NEEDS to be an Ombudsman to hold Councils accountable !!!!! My heart goes out to this Driver who after all, was simply doing someone a favour!!!!! For Goodness sake. Balant Revenue raising AND ILLEGAL at thatt!!!!!
 

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