Secret Trick to Dodge Parking Fines Revealed by Savvy Driver – But It Might Cost You More Than Money!
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As we all know, parking fines can be a real thorn in the side for drivers everywhere. They can appear out of nowhere, often when you least expect them, and can put a serious dent in your wallet. But what if there was a way to avoid paying those pesky fines, especially when they come from private car parks? Well, one eagle-eyed driver has shared a little-known rule that could be your ticket out of forking over your hard-earned cash – but before you start celebrating, be warned: this trick comes with its own set of risks.
The driver took to social media to share their discovery after receiving a $65 ticket for overstaying their welcome in a Wilson Parking spot. The public service announcement they posted on Reddit was clear: 'Don't pay these so-called 'fines' often dished out by private companies on private parking lots. If you look at the fine print, they legally state that they're not fines.'
This revelation is backed by none other than the NRMA's Peter Khoury, who confirmed to Daily Mail Australia that private car park 'fines', such as those for parking in 'parents with prams' spaces, are not legally enforceable. This is because, under Australian law, only government bodies and courts have the authority to charge and issue penalties for illegal parking. What private car parks are issuing, it turns out, are fees for breaching their terms and conditions – a subtle but significant difference.
The social media post went viral, with many users praising the advice. However, others were quick to point out the potential downside: being barred from using the car park in the future. The original poster explained that the 'fine' is actually a 'claim' by the company for the estimated loss incurred when a car space is occupied by someone who isn't a paying customer.
So, what should you do if you find yourself slapped with one of these 'fines'? The advice is to 'enjoy responsibly'. In other words, weigh the pros and cons before deciding to ignore the fee. While some drivers shared stories of tossing the tickets in the bin without consequence, others cautioned that non-payment could lead to being blacklisted from multiple car parks operated by the same company, which could be inconvenient if you rely on these spaces regularly.
Consumer Affairs Victoria advises that private car park operators must clearly outline and display their terms and conditions. If you believe you haven't breached these rules, you can request that the car park revoke the notice, supporting your claim with photos or a ticket stub. However, if you choose not to pay and the car park is persistent, they may send a debt collector after you, which could lead to additional fees and a whole lot of hassle.
It's a tricky situation, and while the idea of dodging a fine is appealing, it's important to consider the potential long-term consequences. After all, saving $65 today could cost you much more in the future, both in terms of money and convenience.
So, dear members of the Seniors Discount Club, have you ever been in a similar situation? What did you do, and what was the outcome? Share your experiences in the comments below – your insights could help a fellow driver make an informed decision the next time they're faced with a private parking 'fine'. Remember, knowledge is power, and in the world of parking fines, it could just save you a pretty penny.
The driver took to social media to share their discovery after receiving a $65 ticket for overstaying their welcome in a Wilson Parking spot. The public service announcement they posted on Reddit was clear: 'Don't pay these so-called 'fines' often dished out by private companies on private parking lots. If you look at the fine print, they legally state that they're not fines.'
This revelation is backed by none other than the NRMA's Peter Khoury, who confirmed to Daily Mail Australia that private car park 'fines', such as those for parking in 'parents with prams' spaces, are not legally enforceable. This is because, under Australian law, only government bodies and courts have the authority to charge and issue penalties for illegal parking. What private car parks are issuing, it turns out, are fees for breaching their terms and conditions – a subtle but significant difference.
A driver shared that we shouldn't pay for private car park 'fines'. Credit: u/Wooden-Consequence81 / Reddit
The social media post went viral, with many users praising the advice. However, others were quick to point out the potential downside: being barred from using the car park in the future. The original poster explained that the 'fine' is actually a 'claim' by the company for the estimated loss incurred when a car space is occupied by someone who isn't a paying customer.
So, what should you do if you find yourself slapped with one of these 'fines'? The advice is to 'enjoy responsibly'. In other words, weigh the pros and cons before deciding to ignore the fee. While some drivers shared stories of tossing the tickets in the bin without consequence, others cautioned that non-payment could lead to being blacklisted from multiple car parks operated by the same company, which could be inconvenient if you rely on these spaces regularly.
Consumer Affairs Victoria advises that private car park operators must clearly outline and display their terms and conditions. If you believe you haven't breached these rules, you can request that the car park revoke the notice, supporting your claim with photos or a ticket stub. However, if you choose not to pay and the car park is persistent, they may send a debt collector after you, which could lead to additional fees and a whole lot of hassle.
It's a tricky situation, and while the idea of dodging a fine is appealing, it's important to consider the potential long-term consequences. After all, saving $65 today could cost you much more in the future, both in terms of money and convenience.
So, dear members of the Seniors Discount Club, have you ever been in a similar situation? What did you do, and what was the outcome? Share your experiences in the comments below – your insights could help a fellow driver make an informed decision the next time they're faced with a private parking 'fine'. Remember, knowledge is power, and in the world of parking fines, it could just save you a pretty penny.
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