Local driver gets hit with ticketless parking fines: 'They didn't know that's a rule either'

Navigating bustling streets can be a challenge, especially when finding a parking spot.

This common urban struggle turned into a financial nightmare for one woman.


Sydney local Kate, whose last name was withheld, shared her distressing experience last month as she tried to find parking near the Metro station at Tallawong.

After a while, she found a secure parking spot within walking distance from the station.

With no visible 'No Parking' signs and other cars already parked, Kate thought it was safe to park there.


compressed-parking tickets.jpeg
Ticketless parking fines have been called as a 'legal scam' by drivers. Image Credit: Pexels/Erik Mclean


She first parked on the spot on Monday, 9 September, and on two other occasions that same week.

Later that week, Kate received a shocking $320 parking ticket in the mail for parking next to an unbroken yellow line.

'A lot of people I have spoken to said they did not know that's a rule either, and there were no signs, which made it more confusing,' Kate explained.

'I admit that's my fault for not knowing it's a rule.'


However, two more parking fines of $320 followed, which earned Kate's ire.

'I was really hoping they'd show some leniency on the other two because I wouldn't have made that same mistake if they had left an actual ticket on my car the first time,' Kate lamented.

Kate's frustration came after the Minns Government's recent decision to ban ticketless parking fines.

The change was prompted by motorists' complaints about being unfairly penalised with multiple offences.

The new legislation, introduced by Finance Minister Courtney Houssos on 26 September, required council rangers to issue physical tickets.

However, the law had not yet passed, which makes ticketless fines still legal.


According to Revenue NSW, councils in NSW have collected over $158 million from ticketless parking from June 2023 to 2024.

The top three councils that have issued these ticketless parking fines were the City of Sydney Council, Canterbury-Bankstown Council, and the North Sydney Council.

Kate's fines, however, were issued by Blacktown Council.

'Since 2013, Blacktown City has always issued tickets by placing them under vehicle windscreen wipers,' a Blacktown Council spokesperson stated.

'However, please note that on some occasions, a physical ticket is not issued for safety reasons. For example, instances of aggressive behaviour directed at Enforcement Officers.'


Kate lodged a complaint to Revenue NSW, which they rejected.

'The issuing officer may post a fine for a number of reasons, such as when it is not safe to stop or if a vehicle leaves the area before a fine can be issued,' Revenue NSW wrote back to Kate.

The financial burden of nearly $1000 in fines weighed heavily on her.

'I was just quite shocked by the fact that a parking fine is $320. I can understand speeding fines being a little bit more expensive because you're putting other people at risk, but this just feels like revenue raising,' she shared.

This story was a stark reminder for all drivers to stay informed about local parking regulations and to be vigilant for any changes.
Key Takeaways

  • A Sydney woman named Kate received three ticketless parking fines totalling $960 for parking next to an unbroken yellow line.
  • She contested the fines, noting that there were no 'No Parking' signs in the area. She expected leniency as she received the fines via mail without physical tickets.
  • The Minns Government proposed to ban ticketless parking fines, but it had not been passed at the time Kate received her fines.
  • Revenue NSW reports stated that NSW councils have collected over $158 million from ticketless parking fines.
Have you ever been caught out by obscure parking rules or ticketless fines? Share your experiences and tips for avoiding such pitfalls in the comments section below.
 

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strictly revenue raising $100 fine will discourage an offender $320 IS profit taking and nothing to do with parking.Councils need to be reminded they do not RULE over us but manage our affairs, (I have seen some council vehicles violating parking, even on council business they cant break the rules, (. lead by example )
 
So earlier this year, I received a ticket in the mail, which was totally surprising to me.
I had parked where I park on occasions when going into the city for an event.
This time, I received the parking ticket, when Honestly, I Believe I was not even parked in the said space at the noted time.
It was very odd!
I had a photo on my phone, time stamped, which was approximately 20minutes before I was supposedly in the said carspace.
I was actually getting petrol and took a photo of the petrol pump as the petrol price was absorbent also.
So I am usually a non speeding driver, so for me to get from the Petrol station into the city and parked and left the vehicle was basically IMPOSSIBLE!
I asked for it to be challenged, they looked into it apparently and said that no it was correct!
So i am making payments for the approx $116.00 fine.
I asked for monthly payments as I do not have a job and centrelink payments, although I am grateful for, they do not allow for anything extra.
They would not accept a monthly payment and I was forced to make $20 each fortnight and as i have made 3 payments and unfortunately forgot this last one, I have now got a demand or it will go to SPER(might i add SPER are often more understanding with payment arrangements, except they do add extra fees), I am feeling so outraged at this, either they want the fine paid or they just want to add more stress to peoples already stresssed lives.
This is Brisbane City Council
 
So earlier this year, I received a ticket in the mail, which was totally surprising to me.
I had parked where I park on occasions when going into the city for an event.
This time, I received the parking ticket, when Honestly, I Believe I was not even parked in the said space at the noted time.
It was very odd!
I had a photo on my phone, time stamped, which was approximately 20minutes before I was supposedly in the said carspace.
I was actually getting petrol and took a photo of the petrol pump as the petrol price was absorbent also.
So I am usually a non speeding driver, so for me to get from the Petrol station into the city and parked and left the vehicle was basically IMPOSSIBLE!
I asked for it to be challenged, they looked into it apparently and said that no it was correct!
So i am making payments for the approx $116.00 fine.
I asked for monthly payments as I do not have a job and centrelink payments, although I am grateful for, they do not allow for anything extra.
They would not accept a monthly payment and I was forced to make $20 each fortnight and as i have made 3 payments and unfortunately forgot this last one, I have now got a demand or it will go to SPER(might i add SPER are often more understanding with payment arrangements, except they do add extra fees), I am feeling so outraged at this, either they want the fine paid or they just want to add more stress to peoples already stresssed lives.
This is Brisbane City Council
I would have refused to pay it; you had the proof on your phone ..... Legal Aid.
 
I do understand that it could have saved me the money that they will pocket from me, they added stress of fighting them would not be worth it in the long run.
I did get them to look into, which was kinda a surprise, however, they came back and said they have proof that my vehicle was parked there. Of course I was not disputing this, i was disputing the time it was there and given the fine.
It is so wrong that you do not receive paper fines so that you can get to contest earlier and avoid their threats.
As they threaten lose your licence if it goes to sper etc.
 

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