UPDATE: A shocking case of mistaken identity has emerged in Canberra, as a local driver is unjustly fined due to a license plate mix-up with a vehicle from New South Wales. Carmel Marshall, a cancer survivor, was stunned to receive a notice demanding a payment of $514 for allegedly using her mobile phone while driving, despite her claims of innocence.
The incident highlights alarming similarities to ongoing traffic camera issues in Sydney, where motorists are facing fines due to misidentified vehicles. Marshall’s ordeal began when she received a penalty notice stating she had been spotted using her phone on the road, a claim she vehemently denies. “I was distressed. For an elderly person who hadn’t committed the offence, I was really upset because I was unwell,” she said.
Upon investigation, Marshall’s children discovered that the actual offending vehicle was a white ute with a New South Wales license plate, not her distinctive pink Yaris. “My children went online, and after a little bit of fun and games, they managed to bring up the photo of the said offence, and straight away it showed a NSW registration and a man in a white ute,” she explained.
Access Canberra has since acknowledged the error but provided no apology, only a standard notice stating that the issue had been resolved. “Not even an apology,” Marshall remarked, expressing her frustration.
Access Canberra stated that such mistakes are rare and that all road safety camera fines are reviewed by an authorized officer. However, legal expert Avinash Singh from Astor Legal disputes this claim, asserting that there are multiple instances where individuals have been wrongly charged based on flawed evidence. He emphasized that the reliance on technology and artificial intelligence leads to errors that could easily be avoided with thorough human review.
The troubling incident raises questions about the effectiveness of Canberra’s road surveillance system and the potential for widespread issues, especially given that approximately one in 17 cars registered in New South Wales has a Y prefix, similar to those used in Canberra.
As authorities scramble to address these concerns, drivers across the region are urged to verify their vehicle details and stay vigilant against potential wrongful charges.
As of now, no further actions have been announced by Access Canberra, but residents are encouraged to share their experiences to shed light on this growing problem.
For those affected, it’s critical to report any wrongful fines to local authorities to ensure accountability and prevent future errors. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as the situation unfolds.
