Risk of surprise $140 fine? Sneaky sign change catching drivers off guard
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Imagine this: you park your car in your usual spot, just as you’ve done for years, and head off to work without a second thought.
But when you return at the end of the day, you’re greeted not by your trusty vehicle but by a bright yellow parking ticket tucked under your wiper—and a hefty $140 fine to boot!
That’s exactly what happened to one Sydney driver recently, and he’s not alone.
Several motorists in Alexandria were left fuming after being slapped with fines when new parking restriction signs were installed while their cars were already parked.
Talk about a nasty surprise!
A Sudden Change, No Warning
The driver, who wished to remain anonymous, parked his car on Huntley Street at 7 am, as he’d done for the past seven years without issue. But when he returned at 3:19 pm, he found a $140 fine on his windscreen.
The reason is that the area had suddenly become a two-hour parking zone, thanks to new signs that were put up while he was at work.
To make matters worse, he wasn’t the only one caught out. Other drivers, including a young worker who was reportedly left in tears, also found themselves on the receiving end of unexpected fines.
The driver shared his frustration online, saying, ‘7 am start of work day, no signage and rained all morning.
This afternoon, as it’s cleared up, they have put up signage and instantly issued fines. No signage by council to warn of when ticketing will commence.’
A ‘Money Grab’ or Honest Mistake?
It’s no wonder the driver described the situation as ‘a money grab by the council’.
After all, how can you follow the rules if they change while you’re away and you’re not even told?
Fortunately, this driver had the presence of mind to take a photo earlier in the day, showing that the sign wasn’t there when he parked.
He’d noticed new signs going up on the opposite side of the road, but nothing on his side—until later.
Council Admits Error, Fines Cancelled
After the story made headlines, the City of Sydney council admitted the blunder.
A spokesperson said, ‘The ticket was issued in error after a delay in the parking sign installation and will be cancelled.’
All the affected fines will be scrapped, and the council reminded drivers that if they believe a fine has been issued unfairly, they can request a review through Revenue NSW.
What Can You Do If This Happens to You?
This incident is a good reminder for anyone who relies on street parking, especially in busy city areas.
If you park somewhere that seems likely to change, take a photo of your car and the signage—it could help if you need to dispute a fine.
Always check for temporary notices, as councils sometimes make changes without much warning.
If you do receive a fine you believe is unfair, act quickly by gathering your evidence and requesting a review.
Lastly, if you park in the same spot often, keep an eye out for any updates from your local council about rule changes.
Why Do Councils Change Parking Rules?
Parking restrictions can change for a variety of reasons—roadworks, new developments, or efforts to manage congestion.
While these changes are sometimes necessary, it’s only fair that drivers are given clear and timely notice. Unfortunately, as this story shows, the system isn’t always perfect.
And remember, if you ever find yourself in a sticky situation like this, don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself.
Sometimes, a little persistence (and a well-timed photo) is all it takes to turn a frustrating fine into a win for common sense.
Have you ever been caught out by a sudden change in parking rules or received a fine you thought was unfair? How did you handle it? Did you manage to overturn it, or did you have to pay up? Share your experiences in the comments below.
Read more: 'That's a lot of breathing space taken': Driver laments over inaccurate parking fine
But when you return at the end of the day, you’re greeted not by your trusty vehicle but by a bright yellow parking ticket tucked under your wiper—and a hefty $140 fine to boot!
That’s exactly what happened to one Sydney driver recently, and he’s not alone.
Several motorists in Alexandria were left fuming after being slapped with fines when new parking restriction signs were installed while their cars were already parked.
Talk about a nasty surprise!
Sydney drivers were fined $140 after new no-all-day parking signs were installed while cars were already parked. Credit: Julia Gomina / iStock
A Sudden Change, No Warning
The driver, who wished to remain anonymous, parked his car on Huntley Street at 7 am, as he’d done for the past seven years without issue. But when he returned at 3:19 pm, he found a $140 fine on his windscreen.
The reason is that the area had suddenly become a two-hour parking zone, thanks to new signs that were put up while he was at work.
To make matters worse, he wasn’t the only one caught out. Other drivers, including a young worker who was reportedly left in tears, also found themselves on the receiving end of unexpected fines.
The driver shared his frustration online, saying, ‘7 am start of work day, no signage and rained all morning.
This afternoon, as it’s cleared up, they have put up signage and instantly issued fines. No signage by council to warn of when ticketing will commence.’
A ‘Money Grab’ or Honest Mistake?
It’s no wonder the driver described the situation as ‘a money grab by the council’.
After all, how can you follow the rules if they change while you’re away and you’re not even told?
Fortunately, this driver had the presence of mind to take a photo earlier in the day, showing that the sign wasn’t there when he parked.
He’d noticed new signs going up on the opposite side of the road, but nothing on his side—until later.
After the story made headlines, the City of Sydney council admitted the blunder.
A spokesperson said, ‘The ticket was issued in error after a delay in the parking sign installation and will be cancelled.’
All the affected fines will be scrapped, and the council reminded drivers that if they believe a fine has been issued unfairly, they can request a review through Revenue NSW.
What Can You Do If This Happens to You?
This incident is a good reminder for anyone who relies on street parking, especially in busy city areas.
If you park somewhere that seems likely to change, take a photo of your car and the signage—it could help if you need to dispute a fine.
Always check for temporary notices, as councils sometimes make changes without much warning.
If you do receive a fine you believe is unfair, act quickly by gathering your evidence and requesting a review.
Lastly, if you park in the same spot often, keep an eye out for any updates from your local council about rule changes.
Parking restrictions can change for a variety of reasons—roadworks, new developments, or efforts to manage congestion.
While these changes are sometimes necessary, it’s only fair that drivers are given clear and timely notice. Unfortunately, as this story shows, the system isn’t always perfect.
And remember, if you ever find yourself in a sticky situation like this, don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself.
Sometimes, a little persistence (and a well-timed photo) is all it takes to turn a frustrating fine into a win for common sense.
Read more: 'That's a lot of breathing space taken': Driver laments over inaccurate parking fine
