A Werribee woman is calling on Wyndham council to overturn a parking fine because the “no standing” sign she parked near was too high and hidden by foliage.
Dorothy Harris-Pike said she recently received a postal reminder about a $159 parking fine which she received for being parked contrary to a “no stopping” sign on November 20 last year.
At the time, she was parked in the Woolworths carpark, with her car facing Watton Street in Werribee. Ms Harris-Pike said she did not see the sign saying her parking spot was a “no standing” one except for Woolworths permit holders.
“The sign was far too high and obscured from vision by tree leaves,” Ms Harris-Pike said.
“When I saw the infringement on my car for $159, I rang council immediately and explained the sign was not see-able,” she said.
Ms Harris-Pike said she was told to put her concerns in writing and send them to the council, which she did.
But she said the council continued to insist that she pay the fine, which is due by April 17.
Wyndham city operations director Stephen Thorpe said there were five separate signs in the carpark indicating that approximately 25 parking spaces were reserved for Woolworths permit holders.
“Ms Pike’s parking fine has been reviewed at her request,” he said.
“However, following careful consideration it was determined that an infringement had occurred and the fine should not be dismissed.
“There are legislated criteria that must be met for an infringement to be withdrawn.
“A photo from the time the parking fine was issued also clearly shows a parking sign was visible nearby Ms Pike’s vehicle.”
Mr Thorpe said Ms Pike could choose to have the matter of the fine heard in court if she wanted to fight the council’s decision.
