NSW Council Parking Fine at Seven Hills Train Station

[Kristian]

Hello I commute to work in the city via train every day as it is the cheapest form of transport available. Last Tuesday around 10am I drove to Blacktown Station and found the carpark was full. I then drove to Seven Hills station nearby to find it was also full. I then drove to surrounding streets of the train station only to find they had 4 hour time limits.
At Seven Hills railway station people were parked along the sides and in "keep clear" zones of the car park. In my haste at I simply parked along the side of a row of parking spaces as I would be late for work so just like everyone else I did the same.

I came back that night after work around 10pm t only to find I was issued a $104 ticket for not parking in a valid space but what was I supposed to do? . On my way to work today I found council officers issuing tickets once more but I was fortunate to see someone leave the car park and took their space and off to work I went.

I would like to know how to approach this type of scenario? can I contest the fine? what options do I have? noboddy wants to pay a parking fine simply because they had to park illegally

 

[Rod]

Did you park on a road? Reserve next to road? Council land?

 

[Kristian]

Nope I simply parked in the multi story parking lot like everyone was.... not on any roads at all. Was not blocking traffic either just on the sides...

 

[Rod]

Options:

Write to council requesting a review - Normally a waste of time unless there are extenuating circumstances. Not finding a valid parking spot does not constitute extenuating circumstances. But easy to do and you may get the review officer on a good day
Fight it - At face value you have no valid defence. Could try arguing on grounds that councils do not have the power to fine people. Needs research and mostly not successful. I do not know the exact process or wording you need to use to argue on these grounds.
Pay it - Problem goes away, you feel resentful.
Ignore it - Not a good idea, matter escalates and you will not win and generally end up paying more.

Also write to the railway and council complaining about the lack of parking. Suspect they already know but every little bit helps and may mean they prioritise your station over others (squeaky wheel syndrome is real).