Merri-bek Council overcharged motorists more than $12m on 248,000 parking fines
The major Melbourne council has overcharged drivers on close to 250,000 parking fines — or more than $12m — in an administrative error that dates back to 2013.
Victoria
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Hundreds of thousands of motorists have been robbed by a Melbourne council which has overcharged more than $12m in a major parking fine bungle.
The Herald Sun can reveal Merri-bek Council, formerly Moreland Council, overcharged drivers on an estimated 248,000 infringement notices issued for breaching parking time limits.
The error lasted from 2013 to when it was discovered this month.
It is understood motorists were overcharged an estimated $50 per fine.
It means the council, which covers areas including Brunswick, Coburg, Glenroy, Pascoe Vale and parts of Fitzroy North, is now facing a multimillion budget black hole to repay the money through an opt in refund scheme.
Oscar Yildiz, the council’s longest serving councillor, said the error was an administrative one made more than a decade ago.
“As a councillor, I want to acknowledge that council made a serious mistake,” he said.
“For over a decade, some drivers were charged more than we were legally allowed for parking fines — and that’s simply not acceptable.
“As soon as this came to light, we acted quickly, took responsibility, and established a 12-month refund scheme for those affected.
“Yes, it will impact our budget, but doing the right thing matters more. This is about fairness, accountability and rebuilding trust with our community.”
Eleven infringement types were identified as having higher penalties imposed than were otherwise allowed.
A refund scheme to refund eligible motorists the overcharged portion of their fine is expected to be launched next month and will operate for 12 months.
“Today’s announcement reflects Merri-bek City Council’s commitment to integrity, transparency and fairness. Now that we have found the mistake, we are fixing it,” council chief executive Cathy Henderson said.
“This is a regrettable historical administrative error, and we apologise for the impact of the overcharge.
“Parking is a limited resource and to ensure fair access for everyone, parking restrictions and controls are necessary.
“All revenue raised from parking fines is reinvested back into our community to provide services and facilities to the Merri-bek community.”
Originally published as Merri-bek Council overcharged motorists more than $12m on 248,000 parking fines
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