No Confrontational Parking Fine

Thenarrator on 06/02/2019 - 22:39
Last edited 07/02/2019 - 11:07 by 1 other user

Asking for a friend. My friend stopped at a no stopping sign briefly to pick up someone. A week later, got a $260 fine in the mail for stopping at no stopping. The ranger did not fine my friend on the spot nor confront my friend to drive away. I guess the ranger just took a photo, enter the fine into their system and then walked off.

Is this the norm? it seems very easy, no confrontational money grabbing exercise. I think they should have at least walked up and see whats going on with us, check whether it was a mechanical breakdown and if not just shoo us off. I cant imagine rangers now taking a stroll and just start snapping pics of cars stopped at no stopping and fining them all. Sydney City Councils gona be mega rich then.

I know stopping at no stopping constitutes a fine. The question is more of how rangers fine people these days.

Automotive Parking Fine

Comments

            • pegaxs on 07/02/2019 - 13:34
              +7

              @EightImmortals:

              other drivers were waiting to stop there who were then inconvenienced?

              The no stopping zone may be there so people, you know "don't stop" because it impedes traffic flow. Other drivers may want to move ahead and not have to stop behind a car that is illegally parked in their lane. But, you know, just ignore that fact. Can't believe you cant see this.

              If it was merely a stop for 3 second

              It was 3 seconds? You were there? You timed it? Any money says, if you were in a car behind OP's friend and they did that, blocking you from travelling by stopping illegally, you would not say "oh well, its only 3 seconds…" You would be flailing your arms about saying "It's a not stopping zone!!!" and questioning how they got their license.

              and MUST be punished!

              Bet OP's friend thinks twice and checks the signs more thoroughly before parking next time. So, I think the deterrent will work.

              council controlled, not state government! rhetoric.

              The Australian Road Rules are there and can be administered by any authority that has the legal right to do so. This includes, local, state and federal government agencies. Hell, if you live in an apartment complex, the body corporate can have you fined for parking poorly.

              maybe it's you who is confused?

              Nope, I spend a lot of time reading the Australian Road Rules, local government laws and state laws, just so I can come on here and debunk people who obviously don’t read the laws, at all.

              your overlords.

              Not my overlords. I entered into a contract with the state government that says, on the issuing me with a license to drive, I will adhere to their rules. They own the roads, they make the rules. If you don’t like their rules, you don’t have to play on their roads… You could always start your own roads… with Blackjack and Hookers…

              to get triggered…

              Only one triggered here, is you. I happily abide by the laws stated in my license contract. I don't get fined, therefore I don’t pay "stupid tax" and I certainly don't go on diatribes about "revenue" and "overlords" and calling councils "Nazis".

              • EightImmortals on 07/02/2019 - 13:41
                -2

                @pegaxs: OK, stop hyperventilating and get back to me when the OP tells us the complete story. :)

                • pegaxs on 07/02/2019 - 14:02
                  +3

                  @EightImmortals:

                  parking nazi taking pictures
                  DO NOT DESERVE A $240 TAX BILL!!!
                  That is friggin' ridiculous
                  Pure theft IMO
                  make up the rules to suit themselves
                  and who suffered… had to compensate them for it.
                  who were then inconvenienced?
                  what's the big deal?
                  your overlords.
                  statists to get triggered

                  I can see who is hyperventilating. Very colourful.

                  'parking' legislation is not the same as road rules legislation

                  Australian Road Rules 2014, Part 12: Restrictions on stopping and parking

                  Parking legislation IS the same as Road Rules. Take a good look at AusRR: 167 if you doubt me.

                  maybe it's you who is confused?

                  lol :D

                  • EightImmortals on 07/02/2019 - 14:11

                    @pegaxs: Fair enough on the 'rules' then. After we voted to not accept local councils as legitimate government they've snuck a lot of the rules in as state legislation enforced by local councils. Kinda like leige-lords and robber barons of ye olden days.

                    My point however still stands that IF he was merely picking someone up and wasn't there for more than a few seconds the tax is ludicrous. Still no word from the OP?

                    Crikey! In NSW it's a 31 MILLION dollar per year racket!

                    https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/parking-laws-you-sho…

                    And that's just 'no stopping' taxes.

                    • pegaxs on 07/02/2019 - 14:29
                      +1

                      @EightImmortals:

                      IF he was merely picking someone up and wasn't there for more than a few seconds
                      My point however still stands

                      No it doesn't stand. At all…

                      For drop off and pick ups, this is what "parking" areas or "no parking" areas are for… (Not what "No Stopping" areas are for. "No Stopping" areas are to ease congestion or for safety reasons.)

                      AusRR 168: No parking signs

                      (1) The driver of a vehicle must not stop on a length of road or in an area to which a no parking sign applies, unless the driver:
                      (a) is dropping off, or picking up, passengers or goods

                      $31 million, huh… And to think if these people just followed the law, there would be no stupid tax to be paid. Don’t do the stupid, don’t have to pay the tax. Simples *Meerkat_squeak.wav*

                      • EightImmortals on 07/02/2019 - 14:37

                        @pegaxs: "And to think if these people just followed the law…." the kleptocracy would just invent other rules to do them in. Reminds me of that Monty Python clip, what can we tax next?….

                        Anyway, come in spinner. Looks like the OP has nicked off so maybe he was parked there after all and not just picking someone up? Maybe we'll never know…

                    • Thenarrator on 07/02/2019 - 15:06

                      @EightImmortals: yep, literally stopped for 5 seconds. maybe if i stopped longer ranger wouldve put the fine on my windscreen. but they took a pic during that 5 second

                      • pegaxs on 07/02/2019 - 15:15

                        @Thenarrator: Was it a "No Parking" or a "No Stopping" area?

                      • aussieolfaction on 07/02/2019 - 15:40
                        +8

                        @Thenarrator:

                        yep, literally stopped for 5 seconds. maybe if i stopped longer ranger wouldve put the fine on my windscreen. but they took a pic during that 5 second

                        Good to see you've now come clean and dropped the "it was a friend" cover. Nevertheless, you totally deserve the fine. Pay it up, and don't violate the traffic laws again.

                        • Thenarrator on 07/02/2019 - 19:23
                          -3

                          @aussieolfaction: lol nah it was a friend, typo said i.. in the context of ozbargain, its always me vs rest of forum hence i used I. makes no diff if it was myself or a friend

      • No ONE on 08/02/2019 - 15:38

        willfully ignored the law

        F**k this kind of law that does nothing than mere money grabing.

    • MrMoo on 07/02/2019 - 13:33

      Damn $50. That is cheaper than some parking in the city. I'll just park there all day.

      • DarwinBoy on 07/02/2019 - 15:25

        Fines are $40 and $50 in Darwin.
        Low enough that it's pretty tempting just to chance it and try and get away with it most times. $250 fines would make me think twice.

        • MrMoo on 07/02/2019 - 15:28

          Damn $40-50. In Sydney CBD all day parking in some underground car parks are $70-80. No way fines of $40-50 can fly over here. In fact i've even seen wealthy people park in no stopping zones just because $250 is worth the time saved for them lol.

          • DarwinBoy on 07/02/2019 - 15:52

            @MrMoo: Some people blame paying for parking causing the decline of the CBD. $7.50 all day parking is just to much it seems.

        • [Deactivated] on 07/02/2019 - 15:45
          +1

          As I understand it Darwin and the NT in general needs more people; there seems to be some sort of promotional angle that hasn't been worked hard enough here - "Come to Darwin, cheapest parking fines in Australia!"

  • theHMASfriendship on 07/02/2019 - 07:21
    +3

    I get it, I hate talking to people too, they are all a bunch of bastards.

    • dojomojo on 07/02/2019 - 12:46

      Go on FriendFace then…

  • JimmyF on 07/02/2019 - 07:54
    +1

    Is this the norm?

    Yes

    I think they should have at least walked up and see whats going on with us

    No stopping means no stopping…. not, oh you can stop for 2 mins and pickup someone, just kidding its not really a no stopping zone.

    I know stopping at no stopping constitutes a fine.

    So whats yours issue?

    The question is more of how rangers fine people these days.

    Pictures are taken, fines are issued to the owner.

  • SnoozeAndLose on 07/02/2019 - 08:03
    +3

    You can ask Council for the photo prove. He should have a picture with someone getting into out out of the car.

    For no stopping , your friend already stopped therefore he deserve a fine.

    The ranger just try not to get abused.

  • [Deactivated] on 07/02/2019 - 08:11

    blokes just doing his job. cough up the $260

  • chumlee on 07/02/2019 - 08:13
    +15

    Why doesn't your friend ask us here?

    Is it the norm for others to be asking on OzBargain? Seems very easy, no confrontational approach.

    • CharityCase on 07/02/2019 - 17:01
      +2

      OP's friend = OP
      My name is Sherlock and you're welcome

    • Thenarrator on 07/02/2019 - 19:27
      -4

      why dont people believe me when i say its my friend? its funny coz it doesnt bother me at all

      • dtxau on 08/02/2019 - 00:15
        +2

        Why bother putting "asking for a friend" up? How does that change the question?

        • Thenarrator on 08/02/2019 - 08:34

          it doesnt. i put it up because its part of what happened. If u think ive put it up to sway your opinion. well, lol.. youre easily swayed

          • dtxau on 08/02/2019 - 23:31

            @Thenarrator: No, opinion doesn't change, wasn't swayed. Back to bed now son.

  • tranter on 07/02/2019 - 08:15
    +1

    How do they prove that you stopped there?

    • pegaxs on 07/02/2019 - 08:26

      I guess the ranger just took a photo

      • tranter on 07/02/2019 - 08:29
        +1

        A photo doesn't necessarily prove you stopped there, unless of course it shows the moment the passenger got in the car.

        • pegaxs on 07/02/2019 - 08:38
          +2

          Omg! They may have taken more than one photo… either way, if the fine is disputed, the rangers eye witness account of the offence is usually more than enough in most cases.

          All the ranger has to say in court is “on this day, at this time, at that location and at the time I took that photo I witnessed OP’s friend stop their vehicle in a no stopping zone and pick up a passenger before leaving.” and that’s pretty much enough for the court.

          • tranter on 07/02/2019 - 08:50

            @pegaxs: How does a ranger remember one particular car out of hundreds of cars he has photographed? They must have an incredible memory.

            • pegaxs on 07/02/2019 - 08:55
              +3

              @tranter: Note pad? Voice memo? The mere act of taking the photo?

              • tranter on 07/02/2019 - 09:02
                +1

                @pegaxs: That's why I was asking. I'm not sure of their verification and recording methods.

                • pegaxs on 07/02/2019 - 09:05
                  +2

                  @tranter: If you want to know the exact protocol, you are best ringing your local council and asking them. They will have more valid information. I am sure they dont just take one photo and wait for the next car.

                  There is a thread on here where a guy posted the photos taken by Wyndham City Council in Victoria that shows the ranger took multiple photos. I would also assume that there would be some kind of log they have to fill out at the time of taking the photo and witnessing the infringement.

                  • DarwinBoy on 07/02/2019 - 15:29

                    @pegaxs: I know up here they use an app on their phone where all the details are added, ticket generated to a printer and uploaded all pretty quick. All information recorded pretty easily.

        • rave75 on 07/02/2019 - 10:59

          taking 2 photos, one second apart showing that the car still at the same location means the car stopped, duh?

    • sheamas88 on 07/02/2019 - 08:52
      +2

      They use dashcam's. Parking inspectors don't even stop anymore, they just drive around the area and get it all on film. There's been a few posts on the forums about it.

      Video would easily show that they were not moving

      • tranter on 07/02/2019 - 08:54

        That makes more sense than just taking a photo which doesn't always tell the whole story.

  • burningrage on 07/02/2019 - 08:24
    -8

    I symphatize with OP (or OP's "Friend" predicament)

    There are times when we needed to do what we need to do and it seems cruel for Govt to profit from it, taking advantage of that moment of necessity.

    The covert action in my opinion is cowardly, yes and definitely designed to hurt people when they least suspecting and we know the harshest punishment or the sweetest revenge is one where the victim is least expecting.

    And the Govt knows this. If this is a popular spot to pick up train travellers, then they always restrict it or ban it because they know they can make money out of it rather than doing the right thing and provide an equally convenient spot to do the job (but spending money). Using law is the easist way to make money and they can eternally tweak it depending on the need of cash.

    I take example in VIC. Before the 2.5% rate cap, many parking signs were dated with Sun-Mon which means in Victoria, you can park for free during public holiday unrestricted. These days, many parking signs don't have that Sun-Mon which means restrictions apply during public holiday. Coincidence? I think not plus the places where they placed this, were low demand areas (like glen iris near station because the shops are dead).

    So I do feel for the OP.

    However, if you feel strongly about it, run for local councillor and bring your mates and you can make a different. Until then, it is a bit pointless talking about it here. Wasting space and breath. Not worth it especially for cowardly people like parking rangers who do this "from a distance" thingy.

    • Ryanek on 07/02/2019 - 08:32
      +10

      Nope, no sympathy for me. Sign cleary says No Stopping and they are there for a purpose. Stopping in those areas usually restrict traffic flow.

      • pegaxs on 07/02/2019 - 08:46
        +7

        restrict traffic flow

        Or, in the case of the front of my daughters school, it’s just downright dangerous to park in the no stopping zones. But idiots still do it and still get fined and still complain about “rEvEnUE rAiSiNg”

        And the government isn’t profiting from it. It’s more like a toll on stupidity, entitlement or arrogance. If you don’t want to pay the toll, don’t use the very expensive red no parking zones. It’s that simple.

        And unfortunately, zero sympathy from me either. It would be clearly signposted and the available legislation is available to read and it would have been covered in the driving theory test. So, no excuse, other than, stupidity, entitlement or arrogance.

      • burningrage on 07/02/2019 - 10:00
        +1

        I didn't specifically comment on the No Stopping sign and I think many people missed the point of what OP is trying to say.

        He is commenting the covert action of the parking rangers and the ethics about it.

        You are entitled to agree with such covert action just like many others who believe such action is cowardice as I believe it purports to punish and profit instead of educating and warning.

        Once when I was in Glen (VIC), a ranger came to a driver (I happened to be there as it was the first day of the underground sensor implementation and I was in the queue wanting to ask the ranger how it worked) and told him his time has ran out. The driver promptly moved the car and he was saved from being booked. I respected that ranger and I specifically thanked him for that.

        No Stopping is there for a reason and should be followed I agree. I didn't argue about that at all. I am only specifically talking about the ethics of covert booking people.

        That is all.

        • HighAndDry on 07/02/2019 - 10:23
          +3

          You are entitled to agree with such covert action just like many others who believe such action is cowardice as I believe it purports to punish and profit instead of educating and warning.

          There's a "NO STOPPING" sign on both ends of the No Stopping area. I'm not sure what further education anyone needs. And the fine is the warning.

          This is a ranger issuing a fine because someone broke the law, not some knight in shining armour defending his lady's honour. I'm not sure how "cowardice" even comes into it at all. When your body corp sends you a breach notice because you broke a bylaw and you're being fined, do you think they should turn up in person and issue some kind of challenge too?

          • pegaxs on 07/02/2019 - 11:26
            +1

            @HighAndDry:

            knight in shining armour defending his lady's honour.
            they should turn up in person and issue some kind of challenge too?

            Gauntlet to the face and a duel at dawn… :D

          • burningrage on 07/02/2019 - 11:32

            @HighAndDry: Sorry I don't agree a fine is a warning. A fine is a punishment.

            When I breached a bylaw (such as smoking in balcony etc as an example), I would always get a warning. No monetary punishment and usually I would stop if it happens to me.

            What I think you should argue (in your favour) is that the ranger would have to covertly fine you because for people to drop off quickly, normally it would not have enough time for them to slap the ticket onto your windscreen. That is not cowardice, that is practical.

            Personally, I don't like it but this would make sense.

            I refer to this article,

            https://www.heraldsun.com.au/motoring/kew-fine-man-slams-par…

            especially this comment

            “He obviously saw me get out of the car, so he should have approached me and handed me the infringement notice, or if he knew I was illegally parked, asked me to move the car,” Mr Pape said.

            “Perhaps if he had have approached me, though, he would have missed the opportunity to fine the next sucker.”

            That in my opinion, would be cowardice toward the victim, although in that same article, it is said that same officer did advice 2 or 3 other people to move their cars.

            Let's not get into that specific story but I simply believe people will respect rangers more if being approached or even confronted of their sin rather than being backstabbed this way.

            This is what I believe. It's up to you to agree or disagree. As I said, if people feel strongly about this, run for council and change the law that way otherwise, it's futile.

            • HighAndDry on 07/02/2019 - 11:41

              @burningrage:

              Sorry I don't agree a fine is a warning. A fine is a punishment.

              The two aren't mutually exclusive. If you (profanity) up at work, you might get a written warning. That in itself is also a punishment because you're closer to being legally able to be dismissed.

              No monetary punishment and usually I would stop if it happens to me.

              Good for you. The law isn't made just to deal with you though, it has to deal with everyone, including people who'll happily ignore warnings.

              What I think you should argue (in your favour) is that the ranger would have to covertly fine you because for people to drop off quickly, normally it would not have enough time for them to slap the ticket onto your windscreen. That is not cowardice, that is practical.

              I'm not making this argument because even if the ranger had time to slap on an actual ticket, I don't think anything behooves them to do that. All the ranger is obliged to do is this:

              1. See that you're breaking the law;
              2. Have proof that you broke the law; and
              3. Fine you.

              There's no obligation that they have a chat with you - that's not their job.

              "so he should have approached me and handed me the infringement notice"

              Why? What difference does it make that the fine is handed to someone or posted to them?

              but I simply believe people will respect rangers more

              So this is your mistake: It's not a ranger's job to have you respect them. I don't think they care much either way whether a random stranger on the street respects them or not. They're there to enforce the law and issue fines.

              • burningrage on 07/02/2019 - 12:10

                @HighAndDry: Good for you then. Thats your belief so good to know your point of view as do mine.

            • Drewbo on 07/02/2019 - 12:06
              +1

              @burningrage: So you smoke on your balcony, knowing that it contravenes said by-law (and no doubt pisses of your neighbours), but will 'usually' stop if you receive a warning? Sorry, but that is the height of selfishness and is a prime example of why warnings are about as useful as chocolate teapots.

              • burningrage on 07/02/2019 - 12:08
                -2

                @Drewbo: That was just an example dude. You can use another example. Sorry if it is not suitable. The principle remains.

                • HighAndDry on 07/02/2019 - 12:15

                  @burningrage:

                  The principle remains.

                  That you should not be punished for knowingly breaking the law?

    • [Deactivated] on 07/02/2019 - 08:47
      +6

      Do you also think freeloaders who ride public transport without paying are also being treated "cruely" by the government as well? And are transport officers "cowards" for fining them….?

      • burningrage on 07/02/2019 - 10:03

        These officers do confront them. At least in Victoria, they do. They're called PSOs. However, ask your colleagues about them and I can say 99% treated them with disdain even calling them "Piss Offs" (PSOs).

        I have more respect for them as at least their presence do bring some sense of security (even though in light of the recent brawls where they just watched 2 people getting robbed as they claimed 2 vs 20 mobs).

        I got no problem for them fining freeloaders. Totally fine.

        It's parking rangers that OP is specifically referring to.

        • HighAndDry on 07/02/2019 - 10:24
          +1

          99% treated them with disdain even calling them "Piss Offs" (PSOs)

          So you can see why people in the business of issuing fines might opt not to personally confront people if possible then?

          • burningrage on 07/02/2019 - 11:18
            +1

            @HighAndDry: I think most people are not violent, that's what I'd like to believe.

            If I get booked, I wouldn't like it and would call them names in social conversation but doesn't mean I will assault them.

            It's not that linear.

            • HighAndDry on 07/02/2019 - 11:19

              @burningrage: "Most" doesn't help the ranger when he gets assaulted by the 1 in 10 or 1 in 100 people who do get violent.

              • burningrage on 07/02/2019 - 11:20

                @HighAndDry: Let's have an AMA if we have a parking ranger in this forum if this is the statistic.

                • HighAndDry on 07/02/2019 - 11:21
                  +4

                  @burningrage: It doesn't matter - as long as you concede it's not a 0% chance, I see no reason why rangers should take any risk in doing their job of issuing a fine.

                  • burningrage on 07/02/2019 - 11:36
                    -1

                    @HighAndDry: Sure, and that's why they are going to be disrespected and loathed forevermore by the silent majority of the population.

                    If it's not a problem, then we wouldn't have heard about it in news and councils having to defend them.

                    It's their choice. They don't have to work there just like people don't have to work as Debt Collector or Loan Shark Collectors or Repo.

                    I am just simply stating it in the open (obviously earning negs along the way but at least, I am telling like it is).

                    • pegaxs on 07/02/2019 - 12:23
                      +5

                      @burningrage: Parking rangers are like the police, a pest when you don’t want them around, but a godsend when you do. We as a society don’t get to make that call.

                      I don’t know how many times I have been out with people and heard them point at other peoples cars and say "Where are the parking rangers when you need them. Why aren’t they booking those cars parked there" to then getting all offended when they themselves receive a ticket… "Scum rangers, put a ticket on my car, ya maggots, get a real job…"

                      Same with police. They pull you over for speeding "get a real job ya maggots" but as soon as someone breaks into their house… "Where are the police??"

                      And I think you are wrong, it's the silent majority who appreciate what police and parking rangers do, it's the noisy, opinionated yobbo minority that like being heard that cry foul the loudest…

    • JimmyF on 07/02/2019 - 08:58
      +3

      There are times when we needed to do what we need to do

      hahaha you don't own the world, the law still applies to you.

      So if you need to stop in a no stopping zone, then you run the risk of getting a fine.

      In this case, the OP (sorry OP friend) run the risk and got a fine.

      • burningrage on 07/02/2019 - 10:05

        Yes. Totally agree with this sentiment.

        As I said, I don't question the issue at hand. Stopping in S zone is not right.

        We are merely talking about the ethics of covert booking by the parking rangers.

        Don't get me wrong. I had that problem too once but that was in an area which used to be 2 minute parking but suddenly got changed into No Stopping zone and people do get complacent about it. It is human nature and I wish people are more forgiving than eager to book.

        Most drivers are not bastards. They are just trying to get by with life and most do the right thing or trying to.

        • HighAndDry on 07/02/2019 - 10:25

          And a fine is just a fine - it's not locking up someone in stocks in the town square.

        • rave75 on 07/02/2019 - 11:05

          well covert booking is not against the law? Sometimes people does get leniency but they are not entitled to it. You expect someone to forgive you/your friend for blatantly breaking the law?! Some days you might get lucky but this time you are not, cop the fine, learn your lesson and move on.

          • burningrage on 07/02/2019 - 11:14

            @rave75: "Blatant" is a strong word and sometimes, you would wish you would be forgiven too when you innocently forgotten that 1P parking that has just passed 5 minutes ago because an interview went longer than expected.

            Things do happen and despite best intentions, people slip and when that happen, would you want to have ranger waving a fine in front of you?

            • rave75 on 07/02/2019 - 12:48

              @burningrage: Tell that in front of the judge and see if he/she waives your fine. Anyone who thinks 1 hour is enough for an interview deserves that fine.

              I parked at 1/2P exactly in front of a restaurant to eat. After I finished eating, I had to go to toilet due to stomachache and that restaurant only has one single toilet for both gender (yes, only 2 gender folks =P). Ended up spending 35 mins and got a ticket. Did I complain? No. Did I think I deserve forgiveness? No. I broke the law, I should cop the fine. I could've find another spot further which is more than 1/2P.

          • burningrage on 07/02/2019 - 11:19

            @rave75: Not asking for entitlement, just for once in a while, forgive. It goes back to you in Karma.

            Especially when you've already hit the quota. :-)

            • rave75 on 07/02/2019 - 12:37

              @burningrage: well, don't expect forgiveness if you break the law. Who knows how many times has "your friend" stopped at no stopping sign and get away with it. Also don't expect good karma when you do good things. You do good things simply because it is the right thing to do. Seems like you think you are entitled to good karma once you hit the quote, eh? =)

  • ATTS on 07/02/2019 - 08:48

    just curious,

    if there is a no stopping sign at a section at a train station and you drop someone besides the no stopping sign, can you still get fined?

    • JimmyF on 07/02/2019 - 09:00
      +1

      you drop someone besides the no stopping sign,

      huh?

      if there is a no stopping sign at a section at a train station

      Are you within the no stopping section? They have arrows that show which way the no stopping section applies to.

      can you still get fined?

      If your in a no stopping section as defined by the signs, then yes.

      • ATTS on 07/02/2019 - 09:34

        I was trying to say

        If

        At a train station

        There is parking spot squares
        The last square - closest is a no stopping zone

        If i stop besides the no stopping zone sqaure ( not inside the square) can i still get fined?

        Thanks

        • HighAndDry on 07/02/2019 - 10:26

          ARE YOU INSIDE THE AREA MARKED BY THE "NO STOPPING" SIGNS?

          YES: You get fined.

        • jjjaar on 07/02/2019 - 10:31

          If it is a No Stopping sign, yes, you will be fined.

          However, more and more, "No Parking" signs are being used. In Victoria… If it is a No Parking sign, you have a 2 minute period in which you are allowed to stop, to pick up/drop off someone or goods, but you must stay within 3 metres of your vehicle (https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/safety-and-road-rules/road-r…)

    • pegaxs on 07/02/2019 - 09:00
      +2

      If any part of your car is in the no stopping zone, yes.

      I was fined for pulling up just after a no stopping zone, but about 90cm of my car was in the not stopping zone. Thought I was far enough ahead of it. Fine turned up, fought it in court, lost, I put forward that from the photo, there was only about three feet of the car in the zone, the magistrate said "any part of the car".

      • HighAndDry on 07/02/2019 - 10:27

        Ouch, damn that's kind of rough. I've always operated on the "if less than half/a third of the car is in the area it's okay". Guess…. not.

        • pegaxs on 07/02/2019 - 10:30

          That's what I pleaded. I said that I thought i pulled up enough and that it was just a small fraction of my ute that was in the zone. Nope, it's "any part". A different magistrate may have seen it differently. But what I was told was, the No Parking zone has a defined start and end, and my car has a defined start and end, therefore, they crossed over.

          • HighAndDry on 07/02/2019 - 10:33

            @pegaxs: Well, thanks for the heads up. Your sacrifice has been noted. I'll try to keep it in mind - I've paid more than a few stupid parking fines. I remember once I was in a ticket but "Free for 15mins" zone, but I didn't see the fine (okay, it was fairly big) print that said: You still need to get and display a ticket.

            • pegaxs on 07/02/2019 - 10:36

              @HighAndDry: How do you pay for a free ticket??? Or was there a function on the ticket machine for "15 mins free, press here" ??

              • HighAndDry on 07/02/2019 - 10:37
                +2

                @pegaxs:

                "15 mins free, press here" ??

                Yup. I even went back because I was so sure I'd have a good argument… and saw that and facepalmed.

                In hindsight it makes sense - without a ticket, it'd create more work for the rangers to see how long you've been parked, especially for a period as short as 15mins.

                • pegaxs on 07/02/2019 - 10:40

                  @HighAndDry: Well, can safely say, I can add that to my TIL list. Where I live there are no ticket inspectors or ticket machines, but I'll keep en eye on the "free parking" bays next time I'm in the big city spaces.

  • Baysew on 07/02/2019 - 08:51
    +6

    I know stopping at no stopping constitutes a fine

    So does your friend now.

  • HighAndDry on 07/02/2019 - 08:52
    +3

    check whether it was a mechanical breakdown

    Or the ranger could've seen your friend drive up, stop illegally to pick up the friend, and drive off.

    • JimmyF on 07/02/2019 - 09:02

      Yep, no need to check when you can watch the car for a few mins and see what happened. OP (sorry OP friend) pulled up, waiting, someone got in, OP drove off….

      No need to check

  • GG57 on 07/02/2019 - 09:37
    +3

    I don't have a problem with the fine being issued; seems straight forward to me.

    Out of interest, I wonder how many times OP's friend has illegally stopped in a 'No Stopping' zone and NOT been fined?

    • HighAndDry on 07/02/2019 - 10:27
      +1

      Exactly. Fines take into account the fact that people are only caught in a small fraction of the time. If they're let off with a warning, there's no reason for anyone to not keep stopping there.

  • burningrage on 07/02/2019 - 10:12
    -1

    For OP's benefit, I have lately seen the MO of these rangers in booking people covertly.

    For reason I cannot publish, I just simply say they use different kind of people to do the job. Last week in the Glen as I was waiting for my wife in the car, I saw a person that you would not ever consider to be a ranger (let's just say he was dressing like a trump and of particular descent) but held a covert camera.

    He saw me obviously and quickly hid the camera and walked away. He was waiting in front of the Ansty grocery for those who are familiar with the area.

    My suggestion is if you are going to risk it (again, out of necessity… if you do it often, you will get booked), scan around for odd people (dressed up professionals are very unlikely).

    • HighAndDry on 07/02/2019 - 10:28
      +2

      There's no "out of necessity" for stopping in a no stopping zone. This isn't in front of a hospital. (and if it was in front of a hospital, you better have a damned good reason for stopping somewhere that might need to be used by ambulances instead).

      • pegaxs on 07/02/2019 - 10:35
        +4

        For reason I cannot publish

        I got to this bit, lol'd and moved on. Obvious bullshit is obvious… Person could have been taking photos of anything or anyone. Such an utter load of tripe.

        • burningrage on 07/02/2019 - 11:10

          Have it your way. You don't have to believe me but don't say you weren't warned.

        • bobbified on 07/02/2019 - 11:22
          +4

          Such an utter load of tripe.

          It is Glen Waverly and there are pho restaurants there. That person may well be taking pictures of tripe!

          • burningrage on 07/02/2019 - 12:04

            @bobbified: In front of Astee Asian grocery just front of the entrance door is where these rangers like to linger. I already told you of the exact location.

            Sometimes they linger just outside Dan Murphy on Railway Parade North.

            The last one I saw was dressed up like homeless man but saw the camera. The head cap kind of giving it away. Mostly like for OHS.

            Edit: Now I am hoping no rangers see this. They may move out now lol.

      • jjjaar on 07/02/2019 - 10:36
        +2

        And if it was in front of a hospital, there are usually ample emergency zones for normal vehicles (or 5/10 min parking), and if they were all used then that's just really, really bad luck.

      • abb on 07/02/2019 - 12:17
        +1

        I upvoted most of your posts here, but

        There's no "out of necessity" for stopping in a no stopping zone.

        There are some circumstances where you can*.

        Basically: breakdown, collision avoidance, medical emergency, or rendering aid.

        http://www5.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_reg/rr2014104…

        * Technically, they grant you a defense in court if prosecuted, not an absolute right to park there

        • HighAndDry on 07/02/2019 - 12:19

          True, that was an overly-generalised statement on my part. It should be more accurate to say that I have strong doubts that situations which burningrage considers are "out of necessity" are actually valid examples.

          • abb on 07/02/2019 - 12:20

            @HighAndDry: Haha yeah, picking up your mate from the pub certainly doesn't qualify.

    • Baysew on 07/02/2019 - 10:39

      ..they use different kind of people to do the job
      ..he was dressing like a trump

      Seems consistent.

  • bobbified on 07/02/2019 - 11:03

    I'd argue the fine if you your "friend" didn't do it. But he/she did.

    Accept it. I mean, tell your "friend" to accept it.

    • aussieolfaction on 07/02/2019 - 11:19
      +1

      It's always the friend who runs redlights, stops at a no stopping sign, gets into an at fault accident often without insurance, gets caught driving drunk, runs their cat over in the driveway, rams into their neighbour's tree, reverses into a lake, etc.

      We're all perfectly good people. Model citizens. Law abiding and all. It's the just that one friend who needs to know better.

  • aussieolfaction on 07/02/2019 - 11:15

    Asking for a friend.

    I think they should have at least walked up and see whats going on with us, check whether it was a mechanical breakdown and if not just shoo us off.

    I thought you were asking for "a friend"?

    Assuming your friend is not illiterate, they read the no stopping sign and decided to break the law by stopping there because it was convenient for them to pickup someone. If the ranger had just walked up to your friend and shooed them off instead of issuing a fine, your friend will repeat it again, because they know they have time until the ranger arrives to shoo them off. Therefore the fine instead is well justified, and well deserved.

    The council ranger shouldn't besides be tasked with having to go talk to every individual who stops or parks illegally. Their job is to record the offence and issue a fine on behalf of the council. This may or may not be a "money grabbing" exercise from the council's part, but that doesn't justify your "friend's" illegal activities on the road. Like, these two things are completely unrelated topics.

  • Kamsi on 07/02/2019 - 11:33
    +2

    I don't think it's wrong to give the fine but the ways the parking officers gives out the tickets looks like revenue collecting.

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