WHITTLESEA CITY COUNCIL, VIC. — In a massive local government ‘about face’, Whittlesea Council today announced that it will revoke a series of parking infringements issued at recent local football NFNL finals matches “following community feedback.”
Whittlesea Council’s sudden withdrawal of the parking fines follows after Liam, a father, was watching an Under-12s NFNL football match when he was fined $627 for parking on the grass, he told Jacqui Felgate on 3AW Drive.
“It was recently brought to his [my] attention that 42 $627 infringements were issued at local sports grounds during the month of August,” Whittlesea City Council CEO Dan Hogan said.
“This infringement class is more suited for offences where driving or parking is causing damage rather than parking illegally. Having reviewed what occurred, Council has determined these parking offences do not warrant such a large fine.”
Mr Hogan said the City of Whittlesea would cancel any $627 fines issued at sporting grounds during the month of August and would reimburse anyone who had already paid them.
“I appreciate the shock receiving a large fine can cause and I want to apologise for any distress this has caused,’ he said
“Council will contact affected individuals directly with information about the cancellation and reimbursement process.”
Mr Hogan said Council would also proactively review all infringements issued under this offence since the Community Local Law came into place on July 1, 2024.
“We will look at the circumstances and whether any damage was caused to warrant the larger fine. If not, we will look to cancel or issue an official warning.”
Whittlesea City Council has been the subject of ongoing controversies for over a decade.
Whittlesea City Council did not respond to requests for comment.
