A Gold Coast doctor and author, known for becoming Queensland’s first medical intern with quadriplegia, has become caught in a parking battle after unknowingly parking on a private street.
Dr Dinesh Palipana has issued a complaint to Care Park after being fined $88 for parking on Oracle Boulevard, despite showing his disabled parking permit.
“I thought it was a council controlled street, it looks like a council controlled street with all of the signs,” he said.
“When I usually park on a council street, I put up my disability parking permit and it’s just awesome because then paid parking is free.”
A sign at the entrance to the road notifying drivers they’re on private property appears to be easily obscured.
Dr Palipana asked the carpark to drop the fine but was told his claim was denied.
“We have investigated the matter and confirm that on this occasion, the payment notice will not be waived,” an email response from Care Park said.
“This location is a private car park, so all parkers have to pay, the Gold Coast Council sites you will receive free parking.”
Councillor Darren Taylor said the decision was “pretty tough”.
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate asked the company to “give him a break, that’s a simple thing”.
Care Park didn’t respond to 9News’ request for comment.
Which of these cars can go first?
“It was an honest mistake and I just didn’t realise this was a private street,” Dr Palipana said.
