Martin Antonelli referred to debt collectors after refusing to pay Bond University parking fine

A 66-year-old man who struggles to walk due to severe osteoarthritis has been referred to debt collectors after unwittingly parking on the grounds of a Gold Coast university. HOW IT HAPPENED

A GOLD COAST man who struggles to walk due to severe osteoarthritis has been referred to debt collectors after being fined for parking without permission at Bond University.

Martin Antonelli insists he did not know he was on university grounds when he parked on a road at the Robina campus on May 23.

The 66-year-old’s problems began when he was unable to find a car park at the busy Varsity Lakes Day Hospital.

“I went to see a surgeon. There was no car parking whatsoever,” Mr Antonelli said. “I went around three times. I waited and I was getting close to the appointment and it was raining.

“So I went around and around and then as I was exiting, I saw the signs from Bond Uni on the right. I did not go right, I didn’t turn right. I went to go out and there on the left I saw a car coming out in the little alley. And I went in and parked.

“I looked for (parking) signs. There was no signs there.

“By then I had to hurry and see the surgeon, otherwise I would be out of pocket $250.”

Martin Antonelli with the fine he received and a letter from debt collectors Milton Graham. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

Mr Antonelli said that he discovered in his meeting with the surgeon that he would need knee replacements on both knees. When he got back to his car, there was more bad news.

“I come back out and there’s this ticket on my car,” he said.

“I was fuming by then, I was so mad. I already got news from the surgeon that I need a full knee replacement even on my right.

“I was so upset actually and I could hardly walk because some days, it’s so bad that every step is very extremely painful.”

Mr Antonelli said he appealed the fine with contractor Care Park but was quickly rebuffed.

“They kept saying to me, there’s a sign at every entry point to Bond Uni. And by entering I accepted the terms and conditions,” he said.

“I keep telling them I did not enter Bond Uni, I entered Varsity Lakes Day Hospital.”

Bond University says signs advising of its parking rules are displayed throughout the grounds.

The fine has since been increased from $88 to $132 and Mr Antonelli has been contacted by debt collectors Milton Graham for payment.

He said the issue was causing him great distress, but he would not pay the fine and was willing to go to court if necessary.

“I find it very frustrating,” he said. “It’s affecting me personally because I’m getting very uptight about it. It might be superficial with some people, but to me it is not.”

Visitors to Bond University are required to register details of their vehicles to avoid being fined. The university introduced the system so only people with business there could use its car parks.

A spokesperson for Bond said its parking rules were “clearly displayed” across its grounds.

“Bond University provides free parking for current students, staff and invited visitors,” the spokesperson said.

“The university’s parking regulations are clearly displayed at multiple access points around the property.”

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Originally published as Martin Antonelli referred to debt collectors after refusing to pay Bond University parking fine