BABY ON BOARD
I was slapped with a £60 parking fine for overstaying by 12 minutes…while I gave BIRTH in hospital – it’s laughable
A MUM was slapped with a £60 parking fine for overstaying by 12 minutes while she was giving birth.
Australian couple Carly Earl and Greg Mullins left their car parked at the hospital and rushed to the delivery room.
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What should have been a smooth labour became a nightmare thanks to a hefty parking ticket.
The new mum, from Sydney, had an "unpredictable" labour after experiencing contractions.
She then jumped into her car with partner Greg and drove to the nearest hospital from Marrickville.
The couple then parked their vehicle at the hospital's designated parking area and rushed to the delivery room.
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The mum told : "There were a few moments that were a bit scary, her heart rate dropped, there are certain elements of the labour that are unpredictable.
"If I wasn't still technically in labour, I may have just given birth."
After a complicated birth, the new dad went back to collect his car to go back home.
But their real shock came when money collector Revenue NSW slapped the parents with a fine ticket.
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Mr Mullins claimed he received a letter with a $120 (£60) parking fine for overstaying his time by 12 minutes - while Carly was giving birth to their new baby girl Hazel.
Carly slammed: "We just figured it was laughable, we thought there was absolutely no way that a contested fine around someone going through labour was ever going to be rejected."
The fuming mum then took matters into her own hands and asked the agency to forgive the fine.
However, Revenue NSW initially reject the application for the penalty to be waived.
In a letter they said: "We acknowledge your comments that your wife had been in labour and you had been unable to leave to pay for additional parking, however we are unable to cancel the fine."
Devastated Carly was left in shock and said there was "no person on the face of the planet" who could move their car in her situation.
Since the incident, Revenue NSW has tried to call the parents and has apologised over voicemail.
They finally decided to revoke the fine and forgive the parents for overstaying.
It comes as other furious residents hit out at being slapped with parking fines, saying it’s because the bays are too small.
A number of locals in Romford, East London, have received fines for parking outside parking space lines.
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When can I appeal a parking ticket?
A fine may be deemed unfair by the council or an independent adjudicator if:
- Signs were wrong - If the signs weren’t visible or gave the wrong information
- The traffic warden got it wrong - for example if a parking attendant thinks you stayed too long when you were in fact within the time limit
- An error on the letter or ticket- if they’ve left out any information on the ‘Notice to Owner’ letter, then you could get it waived
- You didn’t own the vehicle at the time - you’ll have to prove this, such as information you provided to the DVLA
- Your car was stolen - if a thief parked the car illegally then you can get it waived
- There was no way to pay - if a parking meter or machine was broken and there was no other way to pay
- Your car broke down - if you were given a ticket while waiting for your car to be fixed or towed away
- You couldn't get back to your car - you should appeal your ticket if you couldn’t get back to your car because it’s difficult for you to walk because you’re disabled, you’re pregnant or you have a very young baby
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