How to tell the difference between council fines and private parking notices
It can be hard to tell the difference between a parking fine from the council or a notice issued from a private parking operator.
A notice left or sent to you by a private car park operator may look like a fine, and the private car park operator might even call it a fine, but it is actually a debt or a civil claim against you.
The notice should say who has issued it. A council will use terms such as “Central Coast Council” or “City of Sydney”.
If you’re unsure, use the contact details listed on the notice and ask if they are a private car park operator or a local council. If you would like assistance, contact LawAccess.
Debt or fine
A debt owed to a private car park operator is not actually a fine and cannot be enforced by Revenue NSW. A fine is a penalty notice or infringement issued by an authorised officer, such as the police or a local council.
Disputing the penalty
If the penalty was issued by the council or a private parking operator, you have the option to dispute the notice.
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Please don’t ignore your fine
If you do not take action by the due date you may pay more and be stopped from driving or using your car.