Navigating the bustling streets of Melbourne can be challenging enough without the added stress of parking fines, especially when those fines are issued in error.

Recently, several incidents have come to light that have left many Melbourne motorists feeling frustrated and unfairly targeted by parking inspectors.

Emma Hodgkinson from Essendon is one such driver caught up in this maelstrom of mistaken fines.

She was fined for supposedly overstaying in a two-hour zone, despite having left her house only 40 minutes prior to the time stamp on the fine.

Parking inspectors were fining law-abiding drivers in Melbourne. Credit: Shutterstock

Thanks to her home CCTV footage, she could demonstrate her innocence.

'I was furious, it's just not OK,' she said.

‘When I saw the timecode on the footage and I compared it to the time on the ticket I realised I hadn't done anything wrong and it was their mistake.’

But Emma's case is far from isolated.

In Richmond, another driver was slapped with a $99 penalty despite having close to an hour left on his Pay Stay app.

And in Stonnington, a driver faced a fine for exceeding a two-hour limit when he had only parked for about 20 minutes.

These examples are just the tip of the iceberg, with numerous other drivers reporting comparable experiences.

‘I was able to prove I was innocent, but how are [the other drivers] going to be able to prove that?’ Emma said.

The pattern of these incidents suggests a worrying trend: parking inspectors, possibly under pressure to meet quotas, are issuing fines without proper verification.

Dean Hurlston from Council Watch has voiced concerns about this practice, stating, ‘We know the job of a parking inspector is well paid for good reason.’

'They definitely have quotas. Councils need money; they're cash-strapped. This is a way to gouge and raise revenue.'

The motorist has the onus of proving innocence, and appeals are not often granted.

If you find yourself unfairly fined, it's crucial to gather as much evidence as possible, including photos, screenshots, and any other relevant documentation from the time of the penalty.

Key Takeaways

• Melbourne motorists have been issued parking fines despite proving their innocence, sparking debate about the accuracy of infringement notices.
• Evidence such as CCTV footage and app data have supported claims by drivers that parking inspectors issued incorrect penalties.
• There are concerns that council parking inspectors may have quotas to meet, leading to unjust fines and revenue raising for cash-strapped councils.
• Drivers who believe they have been unfairly fined are encouraged to gather evidence and appeal the decision, as the onus is on them to prove their innocence.

Have you ever been wrongly fined, and how did you handle the situation? Share your stories in the comments below.

 

[Veggiepatch]

The pattern of these incidents suggests a worrying trend: parking inspectors, possibly under pressure to meet quotas, are issuing fines without proper verification.

Dean Hurlston from Council Watch has voiced concerns about this practice, stating, ‘We know the job of a parking inspector is well paid for good reason.’

'They definitely have quotas. Councils need money; they're cash-strapped. This is a way to gouge and raise revenue.'

Come on all you revenue denialists! What is your take on this???

 

[David567]

Can't trust cops, can't trust councils, can't trust judges and can't trust the government. We're up shits creek in a barbwire canoe without a paddle. And yet people get upset when I say this is all revenue raising. I am grateful Trump isn't in Australia though.

 

[Veggiepatch]

We are up shit creek with a turd for a paddle more like it....

 

[novezar]

To me it looks as though every time you park , you have to take a photo of your car showing where you are, also with the date & time recorded for proof. What you could say is, "A Pain In The Arse" to prove your innocence.
Good luck to you all with your parking.

 

[Keswickian]

This is deception and fraud. Surely, Councils and parking inspectors should be held accountable under the law where evidence of wrong doing can be provided.

 

[tekkac]

Typical of councils, always after easy money

 

[Rockyd]

This is deception and fraud. Surely, Councils and parking inspectors should be held accountable under the law where evidence of wrong doing can be provided.

Yes, they should be charged for supplying totally incorrect information. It takes a lot of time to prove that the charge was incorrect. The inspector should be charged a fee for wasting everyones time & getting paid for it. We still end up paying his wage for nothing in return. Total idiots. If they can't do their job correctly sack them. They are WOFTAM.

 

[Observer]

This is deception and fraud. Surely, Councils and parking inspectors should be held accountable under the law where evidence of wrong doing can be provided.

.... and you should have a right to allow it to go to court so that you can sue for your time wasted, anxiety and unnecessary stress when you are innocent of any wrongdoing (providing you can prove it).

 

[mylittletibbies]

This is deception and fraud. Surely, Councils and parking inspectors should be held accountable under the law where evidence of wrong doing can be provided.

I agree, everybody who was fined incorrectly should get together and take a class action against these councils for stress and their wasted time in having to prove their innocence.
That might make these high-handed councils pull their heads in.

 

[Towing]

.... and you should have a right to allow it to go to court so that you can sue for your time wasted, anxiety and unnecessary stress when you are innocent of any wrongdoing (providing you can prove it).

Don't expect to be paid the full amount for loss of income. I know somebody who potentially lost about $1000.00. He was offered $100.00 -" it or leave it" He accepted it but said it was an insult. What's more he waited months for his cheque. He had been dragged into court 3 times for rules the Police had the wrong information for. The guy concerned has a copy of the Road Traffic Act. If he missed paying a fine for that long he'd probably be fined double.