Thousands of parking fines set to be overturned after councils acted illegally

Thousands of motorists are set to have their parking fines overturned after more councils were found to be acting illegally.

More than 17,000 parking fines could be thrown out after more Victorian councils have been identified as acting illegally when they outsourced internal reviews of infringements.

A second Victorian Ombudman report into the issue has revealed that a total 12 councils and other agencies are now implicated in the practice to improperly use private contractors.

The latest councils are Greater Geelong with 6400 fines issued between 2009 and 2018; Frankston with 8500 fines between November 2008 and April 2014; and Mildura Rural City with 2500 between July 2007 and May 2019.

Bass Coast Shire had an unknown number issued between 2007 and 2009, while Hume City had an unknown number of fines issued up to December 2016, said the report tabled in state parliament.

Other organisations involved are Parks Victoria with an unknown number of fines at Albert Park Reserve between 2006 and March 2019.

Monash University had an unknown number issued up to 2019.

The Ombudsman’s initial report resulted in Port Phillip, Stonnington and Glen Eira councils setting up refund schemes for over 204,000 fines worth about $20 million.

Ombudsman Deborah Glass has identified more councils acting illegally over parking fines.

Monash and Kingston councils had already announced plans to refund around 46,000 fines, reviewed between 2006 and 2016, before the report was released.

Ombudsman Deborah Glass said tens of thousands of people had been affected by this saga, and she was pleased that all agencies concerned have now agreed to set up refund schemes.

“Fines are part of life and if people do the wrong thing they should be fined – but it needs to be done properly, fairly and in accordance with legislation,” she said.

Ms Glass’s initial investigation found that councils had either allowed their contractor to make review decisions, or effectively “rubber-stamped” their recommendations on reviews.

“Every so often, I table a report suspecting what we discovered during our investigation is just the tip of the iceberg - this has again proven to be the case,” she said.

Ms Glass said following her investigation, all agencies questioned say they now review all fines internally, and have agreed to set up repayment schemes.

The Department of Justice and Community Safety is checking outsourcing practices at other enforcement agencies, with the Ombudsman paying close attention to the results of the audit.

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