Outrage

In case you were dying to know how my challening a recent parking fine went - it didn't go so well.  And I'm livid about it.  Some grumpy parking inspector tickets us for parking "within 10 meters of an intersection without traffic lights" in SURRY HILLS.  WTF!?!  There is hardly any parking not within 10 meters of an intersection without traffic lights in Surry Hills.  It's just that everywhere else there are signs, but there wasn't here.  Maybe if I was blocking traffic in any way or even not a local with a clearly displayed parking permit I would have understood more.  Otherwise it's just mean, and while I've never really hated parking inspectors before, but now I understand the impulse project venom and rage, and lectures about karma at the upholders of parking bylaw.  Rapidly.  Here's the reply I got yesterday.  They weren't even interested in my phots!!  Humourless killjoys:

09 November 2010

Dear Mr/Ms Jacobs,

We are writing about your contact with us regarding penalty notice 3052706223.

We examined the details of the penalty notice and considered the issues you raise. Based on the circumstances you describe we cannot, under our Review Guidelines, cancel or offer leniency for this offence. We conclude that the penalty still applies.

We acknowledge your comment about the absence of no parking signs around the area where this offence occurred. The restrictions regarding parking a vehicle within 10 metres of an intersecting do not require signposting as they form part of the general road rules. A driver must not stop a vehicle within 10 metres of an intersecting road without traffic lights, unless permitted by signposting.

We appreciate you taking time to provide photographs in support of your request for leniency.

Unfortunately, photographs taken subsequent to an offence are generally not accepted as

evidence when we consider a request for review, as we are unable to confirm the location and

time they were taken or that they reflect the circumstances at the time of the offence.

The person named on the notice must act by the due date on the penalty reminder notice. If they do not act by the specified date, an enforcement order will be issued and additional costs will apply.

We will send a penalty reminder notice separately showing the options to finalise this matter. If the person named on the notice wishes to dispute the fine further they can request to have it decided in court up to the due date on the reminder notice. Legislation sets this deadline and it is unable to be extended. Please note: as we have already conducted a review of this penalty notice, we are not required to conduct a further review.

If you would like more information please call 1300 138 118 between 8:00am and 5:30pm,

Monday to Friday, or visit our website at www.sdro.nsw.gov.au. Our website outlines the fines

process including the Review Guidelines, and has answers to frequently asked questions,

standard forms and other useful information.

Yours sincerely,