William St, Sydney: Driver’s $300 fine for pulling over in ‘no stopping’ zone stands despite one major problem

A driver who entered a no-stop zone because he couldn’t see the sign behind a tree received a hefty fine.

Juan was discovered by a Sydney City Council ranger when he stopped to drop off a friend on William St in Sydney’s CBD in February.

The ranger determined that he had stopped just a few meters from a stop zone sign and fined him $300.

Juan’s attempt to dispute the ticket was unsuccessful and he was told that “the issuing officer noted that the signs were clear.”

Juan said the last sign he saw before passing the obstruction sign described legal parking, adding that “naturally you would think it’s possible to stop after that.”

“How are drivers going to know we can’t do something if the sign is completely out of sight, in this case next to a tree planted by the council?” he he said 9News.

Photos taken of the sign show it almost completely hidden from view by the tree, even when standing next to it.

The tree and sign were erected in June 2021 after roadwork on the street was completed.

A City of Sydney spokesperson said council wardens had a responsibility to “proactively report signs that are obstructed by vegetation so that maintenance can be carried out”.

“It is the motorist’s responsibility to always park legally,” the spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia.

“If drivers believe a mistake has been made, they can apply for a review of the fine through Revenue NSW or choose to take the matter to court.”

Daily Mail Australia has contacted the City of Sydney for comment.