UPDATE: A startlingly low 2% of recipients have sought compensation from the Merri-bek Council as a refund scheme for wrongly issued parking fines struggles to gain traction. Launched on July 1, 2023, the scheme has only seen 3,428 applications in its first three weeks, raising urgent questions about public awareness and outreach.
Despite an estimated 250,000 fines possibly impacted over a 12-year period, the total approved payments currently stand at only $106,000. The council had projected the cost of refunds could range from $10.7 million to $14.7 million once all eligible claims are processed.
The issue stems from a mistake made in 2013, where the council charged motorists 0.5 penalty units for certain parking offences instead of the correct 0.2 penalty units. This error resulted in overcharges of between $43 and $59 per offence.
Merri-bek’s Chief Executive Officer, Cathy Henderson, stated, “We have designed the scheme to be quick and easy to use. We have promoted the scheme through the council’s communications channels and the media to ensure that as many affected motorists as possible are aware of this scheme.”
To date, 2,491 applications have been finalized, with 87% of these, totaling 2,188 applications, approved for a refund. However, 303 applications were denied due to ineligibility, such as applying for fines not part of the scheme, while another 937 applications are still pending processing.
Despite the council’s efforts, the Victorian State Government has confirmed it will not intervene in the matter. Government spokespersons indicate that the Minister for Local Government, Nick Staikos, is aware of the situation but insists on the council’s responsibility to rectify it. “Issuing parking fines is the responsibility of individual councils,” the spokesperson remarked.
Residents who believe they were wrongfully fined are encouraged to apply for refunds online. The council aims to process claims swiftly, issuing payments within 21 days of validation.
As the Merri-bek Council grapples with public engagement, the urgency of this situation looms large. With the potential for millions in refunds still unclaimed, affected motorists must act quickly to receive what they are owed.
For anyone facing concerns about council actions, contacting the Victorian Ombudsman remains an option. The clock is ticking—will more drivers step forward to claim their refunds?
