Confusion over parking bays

Central Coast Council has been accused of capitalising on public confusion by issuing hefty fines to drivers parking in an inadequately signposted area in Gosford.

One resident, who did not wish to be named, said she had received a $320 fine for parking in a dirt-packed area in the lane running between Leagues Club Park and office blocks fronting Mann St.

She said signs in the area say “Park only in bays”, but the imprecise direction was leading many to assume the dirt packed area was among the designated bays.

“Council rangers are reaping large fines every day from people who, like me, assumed the back of the park were the bays intended,” she said.

Appeals to both Revenue NSW and Council have been unsuccessful.

“There are no doubt many, many others caught by the Council’s over-zealous rangers,” she said.

The resident’s Facebook post on the matter has attracted many comments, agreeing that signage is not precise enough.

“One comment said a worker at the nearby Centrelink offices had told her many people were getting fined for parking in the dirt bays,” she said.

“Others accused Council of posting inadequate signage and capitalising on the confusion by issuing fines.

“Another comment said it was an unethical practice to give parking fines in such a poorly signposted area.

“One comment said the parking fine frenzy was bad for businesses in the CBD as it discouraged people from coming into the city centre.

“And many said they too had received fines.”

The resident said the real issue is what constitutes a parking bay.

“Council seem to think it’s the marked street parking but bays are usually perpendicular to the gutter not parallel to it,” she said.

“This needs clarifying.”

A spokesperson for Central Coast Council said the area identified is not a legal parking bay area, but rather an area which was previously a landscaped nature garden.

It has recently been excavated to facilitate underground works, and has been reinstated with temporary gravel fill.

“In accordance with NSW Road Rules, motorists are not permitted to park on a nature strip area, but rather abide by the ‘Park In Bays Only’ signage,” Council said.

“Council parking officers’ role is to ensure compliance with Road Rules 2014 and ensure public safety. 

“Notwithstanding this, Council officers have undertaken a preliminary review of the area adjacent to the Leagues Club Park and Services NSW, to ascertain whether improvements to signage is required, to ensure clarity as to where motorists can park and not park. 

“Dependent upon the outcome of the review, the matter may require referral to the Local Traffic Committee.

“Council has instructed Parking Officers to exercise appropriate discretion while a review of this area is underway, however Council strongly advises the public to abide by the marked ‘Park In Bays Only’ signage.”