Sydney man stumped by parking fine obstructed by council tree

Juan was fined by a City of Sydney Council ranger after he stopped among a line of cars along William Street in the city’s CBD in February.

He was baffled when the ranger noted he had stopped within a “no stopping” zone.

But to his surprise, he discovered a parking sign completely covered by a tree.

“A friend got out of my car and the ranger considered that a ‘stop’,” he told 9news.com.au.

“The last sign you can see when driving towards the intersection is a parking sign, so you would naturally think it is possible to stop after that.

“But no, there’s a hidden sign.”

Juan contested the fine by supplying images that showed the sign obstructed.

However he was told ”the issuing officer has noted the signs were clear” and his appeal was rejected.

Juan was stumped as to why the tree was planted in front of the sign in the first place.

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

A City of Sydney spokesperson told 9news.com.au council rangers “proactively report signs that are obstructed by vegetation so maintenance can be carried out”.

“With safety-related offences, for example – parking too close to an intersection, it should be noted that not all parking rules relate to an individual sign,” they added.

“If a motorist does not agree with the outcome of a fine review with Revenue NSW, then they can elect to have a matter heard in court.”