The Secret Parking Rule That Could Cost You Big – Man Fined Right Outside His Home!
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Navigating the maze of road rules can sometimes feel like a game of chance, especially when it comes to the lesser-known laws that can catch even the most conscientious driver off guard. One Canberra man learned this the hard way when he was slapped with a fine for a parking error he didn't even know was a mistake – right outside his own home.
The man, who had recently returned to Canberra from Melbourne, was bewildered to receive a penalty notice for parking in the opposite direction of traffic. He took to social media to voice his frustration, labelling the fine as 'an abuse of resources' and questioning its necessity on a quiet street far from the hustle and bustle of schools or town centres.
'I had no idea I had a fine. I received a text message from Access Canberra saying I had to pay it in two days — I thought it was a scam, so I looked into it. Turns out, I actually did get one, and I was very confused as to why,' he explained. The reason cited for the fine was that he had 'reverse parallel parked unsafely in the opposite direction of traffic.'
The driver was particularly surprised by the method of enforcement, claiming that a 'licence plate recognition van' was responsible for his predicament. He believed such technology was reserved for monitoring more critical areas, not the quiet street where he parked.
The image of his car, parked outside his house, sparked a debate among locals after he posted it online. While some sympathised with his situation, others were quick to point out that, regardless of the location, he was in clear violation of the law.
'Society is pretty sad when they have to find you like this. Feeling nothing but empathy for you,' one person commented. However, another was more blunt: 'Bottom line is that you were parked illegally, got nabbed and basically don’t have a leg to stand on in court. Learn from it, pay the fine and move on.'
The driver's plea for advice on whether to challenge the fine was met with a mix of support and realism. 'You can't fight this. No jurisdictions in Australia allow parking the wrong way on the street as they do in England, so you can't claim ignorance from moving from Melbourne,' a third person advised.
The ACT Government was clear on the matter. Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, a spokesperson emphasised the importance of parking in the direction of traffic flow. 'This rule seeks to prevent motorists from positioning their vehicles in dangerous places on the road or driving on the wrong side of the road,' they explained. The infringement associated with parking in the opposite direction of traffic carries a fine of $137.
In the ACT, parking fines as of July 1, 2023, range from $128 to $640, a hefty sum that can make a significant dent in anyone's wallet. Access Canberra's legislation is explicit: drivers must adhere to all road rules, including those that may seem trivial or unnecessary in certain contexts.
For our Senior Discount Club members, this serves as a reminder to stay vigilant about the ever-evolving road rules. It's easy to overlook the small details, but as this story shows, they can lead to big fines. Always ensure you're parked legally, and if you're unsure about a specific rule, it's worth taking the time to look it up or ask local authorities.
Have you ever been caught out by a surprising road rule? Share your experiences in the comments below, and let's help each other stay informed and fine-free!
The man, who had recently returned to Canberra from Melbourne, was bewildered to receive a penalty notice for parking in the opposite direction of traffic. He took to social media to voice his frustration, labelling the fine as 'an abuse of resources' and questioning its necessity on a quiet street far from the hustle and bustle of schools or town centres.
'I had no idea I had a fine. I received a text message from Access Canberra saying I had to pay it in two days — I thought it was a scam, so I looked into it. Turns out, I actually did get one, and I was very confused as to why,' he explained. The reason cited for the fine was that he had 'reverse parallel parked unsafely in the opposite direction of traffic.'
A Canberra man contested a fine for parking against traffic, calling it 'revenue raising.' Credit: Reddit
The driver was particularly surprised by the method of enforcement, claiming that a 'licence plate recognition van' was responsible for his predicament. He believed such technology was reserved for monitoring more critical areas, not the quiet street where he parked.
The image of his car, parked outside his house, sparked a debate among locals after he posted it online. While some sympathised with his situation, others were quick to point out that, regardless of the location, he was in clear violation of the law.
'Society is pretty sad when they have to find you like this. Feeling nothing but empathy for you,' one person commented. However, another was more blunt: 'Bottom line is that you were parked illegally, got nabbed and basically don’t have a leg to stand on in court. Learn from it, pay the fine and move on.'
The driver's plea for advice on whether to challenge the fine was met with a mix of support and realism. 'You can't fight this. No jurisdictions in Australia allow parking the wrong way on the street as they do in England, so you can't claim ignorance from moving from Melbourne,' a third person advised.
The ACT Government was clear on the matter. Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, a spokesperson emphasised the importance of parking in the direction of traffic flow. 'This rule seeks to prevent motorists from positioning their vehicles in dangerous places on the road or driving on the wrong side of the road,' they explained. The infringement associated with parking in the opposite direction of traffic carries a fine of $137.
In the ACT, parking fines as of July 1, 2023, range from $128 to $640, a hefty sum that can make a significant dent in anyone's wallet. Access Canberra's legislation is explicit: drivers must adhere to all road rules, including those that may seem trivial or unnecessary in certain contexts.
For our Senior Discount Club members, this serves as a reminder to stay vigilant about the ever-evolving road rules. It's easy to overlook the small details, but as this story shows, they can lead to big fines. Always ensure you're parked legally, and if you're unsure about a specific rule, it's worth taking the time to look it up or ask local authorities.
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