A confused Northern Beaches Council ranger failed to correctly understand a long-standing parking sign at Manly Beach yesterday, 21 February, incorrectly issuing a dozen fines along the Steyne to cars correctly parking their nose facing toward the beach.
The signage along the area clearly states to park front to kerb but the parking ranger mixed up his tops and tails and issued fines to 12 vehicles parked correctly, ignoring those which were parked illegally.
Incensed drivers took to social media to share their frustration, in particular popular community page Northern Beaches Living.
As this is a closed group, we will not be sharing comments and photos made where user permission has not been given, but it’s largely centred around confusion over the rules. Apparently half of the beach was parked incorrectly and half correctly today, likely a response to the confusion.
Manly Observer made enquiries with Council overnight and also spoke with one resident who had already made contact and had the fine reversed.
Northern Beaches Council confirmed that a complaint was received yesterday by a resident regarding vehicles parked along the beachfront at North Steyne that were parked rear to kerb and over hanging on to the pedestrian/bike path.
They wrote, “The signs indicate that vehicles are to park front to kerb in order to not impact on pedestrians and cyclists using the shared path especially in the case of vans who park incorrectly when they open their rear doors/boot.
“Human error resulted in incorrect tickets issued for 12 vehicles who were parked correctly (front to kerb). The parking officer has been made aware of the error to ensure it doesn’t happen again.”
“The incorrect tickets will be cancelled immediately.”
Northern Beaches Council CEO Ray Brownlee said motorist frustration over the incident is “understandable”.
“All twelve tickets incorrectly issued will be cancelled immediately and we apologise for the inconvenience,” he said.
