Motorists face court over parking fines

A motorist who was fined $522 for stopping in a parking area for people with disabilities is one of nine people headed to court to fight parking infringements issued by Moreton Bay Regional Council.

Council this week voted to prosecute the motorists in the Magistrates Court after they submitted election requests rather than pay the fines – ranging from $75 to $522.

Officers assessed the requests – which related to 13 alleged parking infringements - and considered it appropriate to proceed to court.

Five of the requests pertain to the same community member and relate to alleged breaches of ‘No stopping on a road with a yellow edge line’ from January-August, each carrying a fine of $96.

The person will have the matters prosecuted under one summons.

Another driver who faces court was also issued with a $96 fine for the same breach in January.

In separate matter to go to court, a person was fined $96 for stopping on a path, dividing or nature strip, painted or traffic island in June.

Bus zone breach

Three drivers fined for parking for longer than indicated will have the matters decided by a Magistrate. The first two, last October and in June, were fined $75, while the third, in July, was fined $79.

A person faces court to challenge a fine of $96 for stopping contrary to no stopping signs in February, while the final case in involves a motorist issued with a $100 fine for stopping in a bus zone on July 27.

Deputy Mayor Jodie Shipway told the Council meeting she supported the legal action.

“We often as Council get blamed for not providing adequate spaces, but in fact it’s actually people not being able to abide by the law,” she said.

“It frustrates me and I see one of these is a five-time offender so I am very pleased (it will go to court).”