A young Australian woman has expressed her fury after being fined $136 for being held up for “five minutes” before the real reason was revealed.
Amy Sloane shared a photo of the ticket she bought at The Esplanade at Caves Beach, Newcastle, to “watch the waves” on July 6.
She had no idea she had been fined until the ticket arrived in the mail several weeks later.
“Rangers can’t fine people who don’t pick up after their dogs on our beaches, but they can secretly fine you without you knowing, just for watching the waves for five minutes,” he said.
‘How about a warning, cowards?!’
The post on a community Facebook page sparked a divided reaction among locals.
Several were less than sympathetic and told Ms Sloane to raise the issue with the council rather than complain online.
“Aren’t there warnings on the signs?” wrote one.
Newcastle woman Amy Sloane was left furious after being fined $136 by a park ranger (pictured) for a “five minute” stop
Another added: ‘So you parked badly but complained when they booked you in.’
Others said it was extremely common for locals to stop on the beach to watch the waves, or even to spot whales during migration season.
Some believed Ms Sloane should be grateful that she did not receive any demerit points for the parking violation.
Lake Macquarie Council has since explained that Ms Sloane’s quick stop was not the reason for the fine.
Instead, the council said his car was parked facing away from the direction of travel, which is illegal in all Australian states and territories.
Lake Macquarie Council explained that Ms Sloane was fined because her car was parked facing backwards (pictured, The Esplanade at Caves Beach)
“The fine in question was issued for failing to parallel park in the direction of travel, which is a safety offence under Australian road rules,” a council spokesperson said. Yahoo News.
‘The driver’s vehicle crossed a double white line and came to rest near a bend, facing oncoming traffic, further adding to the safety concerns.
‘Lake Macquarie Council enforces parking regulations to ensure the safety of all road users.’
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