Unfair Parking Fine! (2 Viewers)

[TypeR]

Hey guys,
I need your opinion in something

I got a fine today because I was apparently parked in a Taxi Zone on Sussex Street in the City on 31/7 at 11:55pm. I work as a security guard in the city and thats why I was around there.

But I remember that night when I parked at Sussex St, it wasnt a Taxi Zone and it was a 2P (or 4P) parking zone. I called the State Debt Recovery Office, and they told me to call the Sydney Council to request the photograph of the offence. I rang up the Sydney Council, they said they dont always take photographs but they will see if there is one (which I highly doubt)

Also, there was a work colleague with me in the car and we were both certain that it wasnt a taxi zone (maybe he can be used as a witness)

Now if they dont have a photograph of the offence, is it worthwhile to take it to court?

Also, if I take it to court and I win the case, will I have to pay any court fees? How about if I lose? Im a student, is there any government assistance so I dont pay the fees?

Thanks alot

 

[yuri_gagarin]

1) take it to court. 70% of fines get dismissed or whatever
2) *if* you lose, i assume you have to pay court fees, and no there is no govt assistance i can think of
3) get sum real legal advice from people with experience

 

[TypeR]

They sent me a photograph of the offence

Its a really funny one actually, it does not show anything besides the car being parked perfectly behind another car. No Taxi Zone sign or anything

here it is

 

[yer8899]

i wouldnt say perfectly, its on a slight angle

 

[TypeR]

Nevertheless, thats not the point.

The offence was "Stop in a Taxi Zone"

Where is the evidence that it is parked in a Taxi Zone?


Why didnt they take more than one photo, or from an angle that shows the Taxi Zone sign?

 

[quik.]

Tell them exactly that, be polite but firm and ask that they drop the fine because the photo shows nothing

While you are waiting for them to reply, go to the location and take photos. Make sure they are clear and show that there is no taxi bay

If there is a taxi bay, you'll just have to cop it sweet mate. If not, you get to stick it to the man

 

[Azamakumar]

lol camry
shouldve impounded it

 

[goony]

Dude there's a timestamp on that photo. Couldn't you use that?

 

[Lukybear]

I think you should listen to the other guy before us. Go and check and make sure for certain that it aint a taxi zone. Then bring it up with the council. And if that dosent work, use the photo to prove you location, and take pictures of your own to show that it aint a taxi zone. Fight in court and win!

All of which is the case if that wasnt a taxi zone.

 

[seremify007]

I think you should listen to the other guy before us. Go and check and make sure for certain that it aint a taxi zone. Then bring it up with the council. And if that dosent work, use the photo to prove you location, and take pictures of your own to show that it aint a taxi zone. Fight in court and win!

All of which is the case if that wasnt a taxi zone.

I agree that you should go and check the area out. From the pic it looks vaguely like the area near Slip Inn bar which I wouldn't be surprised if that was a taxi rank at night time.

 

[Azamakumar]

Another piece of advice, don't expect that to be the only photo they have. The whole point of them taking photos is to prove that you were illegally parked. Any money says if you front in court with just that photo to support your argument they'll pull out a few more.

 

[TypeR]

Thanks for the advice guys

Here is the exact location, it is infront of Chinese Laundry if im not mistaken.

Maybe someone can confirm its not a taxi zone?

 

[runoutofsleep]

here you go hth

 

[runoutofsleep]

obvious taxi zone

 

[quik.]

It definitely wasn't a taxi zone

I dunno could someone check maybe

Oh it was a taxi zone

Sigh

 

[runoutofsleep]

It definitely wasn't a taxi zone

I dunno could someone check maybe

Oh it was a taxi zone

Sigh

fun thread

 

[TypeR]

I was parked where this Commodore is.

What does that sign read anyone know?

Theres a Parking Meter there

 

[runoutofsleep]

 

[Azamakumar]

I was parked where this Commodore is.

What does that sign read anyone know?

Theres a Parking Meter there

So did you have a ticket when you were booked?

 

[TypeR]

So did you have a ticket when you were booked?

No because after 10PM its free to park without a ticket.