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The Spacer Technologies content team is a dedicated group of writers and experts with a deep-rooted passion for the sharing economy. Our team is committed to creating informative, engaging, and valuable content across our various platforms. With a keen eye for detail and a talent for simplifying complex topics, we strive to empower our audience with knowledge and insights about the benefits of shared spaces.
Reading time : 4 mins
It’s the worst feeling in the world. And it always happens when you are a bit skint for money. That dreaded piece of shiny white paper with size 4 font. Even though it says ‘parking fine’, you know it’s not fine; it’s the opposite of fine. You were only a few minutes late and now you find yourself $200 down. One whole day of work wasted for a few minutes of tardiness.
At Parkhound we have a no parking fine policy. Our online marketplace connects drivers looking for parking with local property owners who have spare parking spaces. Because you are dealing with real people you can book a parking space for the time you need. Just find, book and go. It’s also dead easy to extend and amend your booking. We know that life doesn’t always flow like clockwork.
For the times when you don’t use Parkhound, we have created our top four ways to get a parking fine waived. The list ranges from the simple to the more sophisticated and whilst they may not be guaranteed to work, they are definitely worth a go. You will be surprised how many people successfully contest a parking fine!
If you receive a parking fine and it has been less than 15 – 20 minutes since it was administered, immediately walk to the nearest convenience store or petrol station. Purchase some water or motor oil and keep the receipt – it is important that you keep a record of this purchase. Try and do this quickly.
As soon as you get back to the car immediately call the phone number on the ticket or the parking meter. If it’s an automated response go through the options and leave a message. If it’s a person explain that your car overheated or broke down and you went to get some water or oil.
When you submit your formal request via mail, include the receipt, reference the call and explain the car issues you had. Your fine should be waived.
This one is pure gold but you will need a little bit of lady luck on your side. If you failed to buy a parking ticket, or your ticket expired, it’s time to get your phone camera out. See if you can find an unexpired ticket on the dashboard of a car nearby with similar features to yours. The closer your car matches the better. Take a photo of the ticket and make sure you can clearly see the expiration date and time.
Once you have done this, contact the phone number on the ticket. Explain that your car was parked legally, that you have a photo to prove it and that it must have been human error.
When you get home, submit a formal request via mail, include the photo and reference the call. Unless the parking inspector has taken an accurate record of the fine with incriminating photos, you should get off.
This approach requires a dynamic duo, a Batman and Robin, or a Daryl Somers and Ossie Ostrich. Your sidekick will become your witness. If you get back to find a fine on your car go to the nearest ticket machine or parking meter. Put a ‘not accepting change’ photo on it and take a photo. Get your witness (your passenger) to also take a photo.
In case you didn’t know, coins entered into a meter are identified by weight and by testing elements like metal through electrical currents. These sometimes don’t work and this is when you have the situation where each coin you enter spits right out. Meters can be temperamental and councils are aware of this.
If you actually purchased a parking ticket and it expired, just state it wasn’t accepting enough coins for the time you required. If you didn’t get a parking ticket, then say it wasn’t accepting any coins at all. The out of order photo and witness should be enough to see you get off scotch free.
At Parkhound we believe it is always worth challenging a fine. For 10 minutes of work it could save you hundreds. Even in parking disputes you are presumed innocent until proven guilty. In this instance, paying the fine is the equivalent of an admission.
If you don’t pay and challenge you may find that the inspector didn’t take all the required details and photos. It gets tiring walking all day and parking inspectors are likely to make mistakes from time to time – yes, they are human.
In your letter always ask for evidence of your alleged wrongdoing. If the council doesn’t have any, they’ll drop it. So it give it a go, you have nothing to lose.
Happy parking,
Team Parkhound
The Spacer Technologies content team is a dedicated group of writers and experts with a deep-rooted passion for the sharing economy.
Our team is committed to creating informative, engaging, and valuable content across our various platforms.
With a keen eye for detail and a talent for simplifying complex topics, we strive to empower our audience with knowledge and insights about the benefits of shared spaces.
The Spacer Technologies content team is a dedicated group of writers and experts with a deep-rooted passion for the sharing economy.
Our team is committed to creating informative, engaging, and valuable content across our various platforms.
With a keen eye for detail and a talent for simplifying complex topics, we strive to empower our audience with knowledge and insights about the benefits of shared spaces.
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