A driver who pulled into a no stopping zone because he couldn’t see the sign behind a tree has copped a steep fine.
Juan was spotted by a City of Sydney council ranger when he pulled over to drop off a friend just on William St, in Sydney’s CBD, in February.
The ranger determined he had stopped just metres in front of a stopping zone sign and fined him $300.
Juan’s attempt to dispute the fine was unsuccessful and he was told the ‘issuing officer has noted the signs were clear’.
Juan was spotted by a City of Sydney council ranger when he pulled over to drop off a friend just on William St (pictured), in Sydney’s CBD, in February
But the no stopping sign was covered by a tree (pictured, the no stopping sign behind the tree)
Juan said the last sign he saw before passing the obstructed sign outlines legal parking, adding ‘you would naturally think it is possible to stop after that’.
‘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 told 9News.
Photos taken of the sign show it almost completely blocked from view by the tree, even when standing next to it.
The tree and sign were erected in June 2021 after roadworks were completed on the street.
A City of Sydney spokesperson said the onus was on council rangers to ‘proactively report signs that are obstructed by vegetation so maintenance can be carried out’.
‘It is a motorist’s responsibility to always park legally,’ the spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia.
‘If motorists believe a mistake has been made, they can request a review of the fine through Revenue NSW or elect to have the matter heard in court.’
Daily Mail Australia contacted the City of Sydney for comment.
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