Check the signs when parking

Published on 04 July 2019

Byron Shire Council is asking people to check the signs to make sure they do not get fined for parking.

This follows a court decision this week where two drivers were convicted and fined a total of $450 after ignoring No Stopping signs on Seven Mile Beach Road, Broken Head in January this year.

Legal Counsel, Ralph James, said the drivers claimed they were confused about where they could park because a sign had been vandalised.

“The drivers, as is their right, elected to have the matter heard in court, claiming they could not read the sign and therefore should not have been fined,” Mr James said.

“Their argument ignored the fact they had driven past 52 No Stopping signs between Broken Head Reserve Road and the Whites Beach access track.

“Both drivers were each fined the sum of $200 and ordered to pay Council’s costs of $250.

“Whilst Council endeavours to ensure that all parking control signs are in good order it is no defence to ignore the obvious message by seeking to rely upon a vandalised sign,” Mr James said.

Seven Mile Beach Road is a narrow, dirt road in a national park and it is imperative that people obey the signs and not park illegally to ensure Emergency Services are able to get access to the area, and so pedestrians and other drivers are able to travel on the road safely.

For more information contact Ralph James, Legal Counsel, on 6626 7228.