Parking fines are a common frustration for many drivers, but when they're issued right outside your own home, it can feel particularly unjust. This is the situation that Emma Picthall, a shift worker from East Lakes in Sydney's south, found herself in after a long day at work. She returned home to discover a $136 fine slapped on her car for parking in a manner that she and her neighbours had been accustomed to for years.

The issue at hand is the method of parking. In the densely populated cul-de-sac where Emma lives, residents have traditionally parked 'nose-first' to maximize the limited space available. This method allows for approximately eight vehicles to fit comfortably. However, Bayside Council insists on parallel parking, which would significantly reduce the number of cars that can park in the area.

Emma's frustration is compounded by the lack of clear signage indicating the required parking method and the absence of any prior warnings before the fine was issued. She expressed her concerns to Yahoo News, highlighting the practical challenges that the council's parking rules pose, especially for those returning home late at night from shift work. The prospect of parking 10 to 15 minutes away and walking back to her residence is not only inconvenient but also raises safety concerns.

Emma Picthall was fined $136 for parking outside her Sydney home, a practice she says has been common for years. Credit: Google Maps

Upon contacting Bayside Council, Emma was met with a dismissive response, which she interpreted as a lack of empathy and a possible attempt at revenue raising. The council's inflexibility on the matter has left her worried about the potential for disputes among neighbours, particularly as many are elderly with mobility issues. The council's suggestion to petition for designated parking bays seems unfeasible to Emma, given the age and capabilities of her community.

This incident is not isolated. Similar cases have been reported, such as a Canberra-based driver who was fined for parking against the flow of traffic outside his home. These incidents raise questions about the fairness and legality of such fines, as well as the use of council resources.

For our readers at the Seniors Discount Club, this story serves as a cautionary tale. It's essential to be aware of your local council's parking regulations, even in your own neighbourhood. If you find yourself in a similar situation, it's worth reaching out to your council to discuss the issue. In some cases, a community petition or a request for clearer signage might be necessary to address the problem.

Key Takeaways

• A Sydney shift worker named Emma Picthall has been fined $136 for parking outside her home, a practice she says she and her neighbours have followed for years.
• Picthall argues that the parking fine is unfair as there are no signs on her street indicating how residents should park, and she was not previously aware of the parking regulations.
• Despite Picthall contacting Bayside Council about the issue, she claims the council's response was dismissive and suggests the fine is a revenue-raising measure.
• The parking enforcement could lead to disputes among residents due to limited parking spots, with older neighbours potentially struggling with mobility. Picthall suggests that the council should provide parking bays or proper signage to avoid conflicts.

We'd love to hear from you about your experiences with parking fines, especially those received near your home. Have you faced similar issues? How did you resolve them? Share your stories in the comments below, and let's support each other in navigating these often frustrating encounters with parking regulations.

 

[Jules57]

Seems very unfair given there are no signs or markings, looks like their parking works well for them even though most people parallel park in cul de sacs .

 

[Keswickian]

This looks like the turning area at the end of a cul-de-sac where parking is usually prohibited.
However, for the council to impose a fine without prior notice or appropriate signage is unethical and should be illegal.

 

[Tigers]

a CLEAR case of REVINUE RAISING by the local council. resadents, HAVE LONG memories, so just wait for the NEXT council elections.

 

[Greg350]

a CLEAR case of REVINUE RAISING by the local council. resadents, HAVE LONG memories, so just wait for the NEXT council elections.

Roadside parking is in the road rules, signs are not needed, if no signs you park as per normal, parallel to the road side.

 

[Greg350]

Seems very unfair given there are no signs or markings, looks like their parking works well for them even though most people parallel park in cul de sacs .

Don't need signs, if there are no signs you park as per normal, parallel to the kerb.

 

[Elaine Senior]

a CLEAR case of REVINUE RAISING by the local council. resadents, HAVE LONG memories, so just wait for the NEXT council elections.

can u really c the council doing anything not when they can get so much money never happen

 

[IAN3005]

Roadside parking is in the road rules, signs are not needed, if no signs you park as per normal, parallel to the road side.

Sorry... every law requires a street sign.....how are people supposed to know?

 

[MEEKS]

It's quite simple the Road Rules state you must parallel to the kerb unless otherwise indicated. If you see a need to change the arrangement to suit the residents you need to ask for council to consider your proposal which must be supported by other residents. Council has to consider the impact such a change will have on emergency services like garbage trucks and ambulances.

 

[Kim w]

Yes some years ago on Macleay Island in Queensland we had to catch a ferry to the mainland & I went to see Rocky Horror & when I got back to M.I. there was a parking fine of over $200 because of it being a public holiday(Australia Day) & being in a handicap parking as I. Didn't have my disability sticker showing which was in glovebox as I parked & ran to get on ferry, so my own fault but hey you think it being A.DAY & all

 

[Veggiepatch]

I suffered a medical episode one night in December 2013 and parked my car near Bundaberg Base Hospital. I had suffered a mild heart attack and was transported to Prince Charles Hospital in Brisbane and stayed for six days to undergo surgery.

Upon return, I found not one but TWO parking tickets underneath my windscreen wiper for "parking in a No Standing Zone - 9 am to 4 pm weekdays".

I sent an email to council contesting the fine with copies of documentation stating my condition and duration of treatment. Council rejected the evidence outright and gave me 21 days to pay the fines or face added costs.

Naturally, that didn't sit well with me. My return email wasn't so friendly. I stated that Council were a pack of thieving #@%¿! and that payment of almost $200 would not be forthcoming.

Bundaberg Regional Council did not reply and never pursued the matter further. A win for the little guy!

 

[Luckyus]

Victims of the Ponderous Bollocks of he Idiotic Bureaucracy.

 

[Cheezil]

Big business, govt depts etc love a soft target, much easier to raise massive revenue from honest, hard working citizens than catch dangerous criminals that are an actual real threat & public safet risk to society!

 

[[email protected].]

councils just need to do the 4 Fs. fix the rates. fix the roads, fix the rubbish. and off out of our lives

 

[Veggiepatch]

councils just need to do the 4 Fs. fix the rates. fix the roads, fix the rubbish. and off out of our lives

And f**k off altogether.

They are an unnecessary third tier of government whose services are easily absorbed in the State Governments.

 

[mylittletibbies]

Sorry... every law requires a street sign.....how are people supposed to know?

It's part of the road laws that you are expected to know when you get your licence.
If you were allowed to park "nose in" the parking bays would be clearly marked.

 

[Fanger]

Don't do it again. It is a cul-de-sac and you ae parking where cars are supposed to turn.

 

[Ezzy]

How easy is it to park a vehicle on a curved section of edging?

Some sort of signage should have been in place here.

l would go as far as to say this method of parking by tenants didn't start yesterday or a month ago, so why fine drivers now for something that has become a standard to them? If this has been the norm for some time & is illegal or not, l would suggest Council Rangers haven't been doing their job correctly. Beauacracy gone mad.