A young driver broke down in tears after receiving a $200 parking ticket after waiting in a driveway for just two minutes.
The Victorian Avalon woman shared a tearful video from South Melbourne on Wednesday after a parking inspector ‘ran’ to her Jeep to hand her the hefty fine.
“I just bought some plants and I went in to grab my plants and I came out, I was in the car, while I was backing up, the parking inspector ran over and slapped a $200 ticket on my car,” she said in a TikTok. video.
Avalon later clarified that it was her boyfriend who quickly ran into the plant store to take her order while she waited in the car.
“I didn’t even get out of the car and stop for my boyfriend to jump out and pick up the plant we bought for two minutes, I have the timestamp of just under three minutes,” she said.
“I was in the driveway of the damn plant store and in the car with no obstacles for anyone.
“(The fine) was so outrageous that people came out of the plant store defending me.”
Dozens of Australians urged the young driver to challenge the fine before their city council.
‘How can they fine you for parking if you are in the car? Parking means leaving the car! I would dispute it for sure. Don’t pay!’ one wrote.
You can challenge that. If you have a receipt and appointment reservation to prove that you were not there long enough to pay. “Definitely worth fighting for,” said another.
Other Melburnians shared their own experiences with parking inspectors.
Port Phillip stinks! I was fined twice when I lived there. I asked for an extension to pay because I was sick/not working and they gave me one day,’ said one.
‘Literally the worst advice! “My parents parked in a parking lot, went to the meter to buy a ticket and in the two minutes they walked to the meter an inspector came and put a ticket in their car,” wrote another.
“South Melbourne parking inspectors are a different breed,” said a third.
It is unclear whether Avalon received the $200 fine for waiting in a no-stop area or sitting at the entrance of the business.
Avalon (pictured) claimed the ranger ‘ran’ towards his car reversing as he left a plant shop.
Drivers in Victoria can be fined if they idle in a driveway less than one meter from the entrance of a business (file image pictured)
Drivers in Victoria can be fined if they idle in a driveway less than one meter from the entrance of a business.
Those wishing to challenge their fine with the City of Port Phillip can view the photo of their alleged violation on their parking violations portal before submitting the appeal.
The response to the appeal may take 30 to 90 days to process.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted the City of Port Phillip and Avalon for comment.
