If you receive a parking fine, you have three options:
- Pay up
- Appeal to the local council who issued it
- Contest the case in court
Before making your decision, consider the time needed to go to court especially if you work.
Consider whether you have a defence. The most common defences are:
- Faulty parking meter
- A time restriction sign post that was difficult to see
- Errors made by the ticket officer in issuing the ticket
Before contesting a parking ticket, make sure you have plenty of evidence. For example, take a photo of your car and the surrounding area including the parking machine. Make sure you submit your appeal before the due date.
If you choose to go to court, remember you will need time off work. If you lose, you may have to pay the council’s legal costs. Get some advice from your community legal centre before making the decision whether to contest it.
