Should I dispute this parking ticket in court?

[falconboy]

Once again, the revenue raisers have been at it.

The facts are pure and simple.

I received a ticket in a council parking lot where one is required to get a ticket from a machine and put it on your dashboard. This is what I have done on at least 100 occasions at this parking lot (no exhaggeration). Its FREE for one hour, pay more and get a longer ticket.

On this particular occasion I stuffed up. Yes, I am guilty of not getting one of the tickets.

The reasons are that I am usually with my wife who goes and gets the ticket yet on this occasion I was on my own, not to mention it was raining and I was concentrating on what I was there to do and stay dry. These factors made it simply slip my mind.

I was away (and intended to be away) for less than the 1 hour free time given so there was no loss of income for the council.

I asked for a review based on length of excellent record and these mitigating circumstances. It was refused and the fine still stands.

There are no demerit point involved and its only $88. However, I feel this is a situation where discretion should be given and I should be let off with a warning.

Since I am guilty of the offence, should I still take it to court and ask them to use their discretion, or will they simply see that I admit guilt, find me guilty and keep the ticket valid?

Can they find me guilty, scrap the ticket and give me a warning?

I know many people don't fight the tickets because its not worth it. And no, its not, but sometimes you really do feel discretion is not used when it absolutely should be.

I'm not so much angry (yes, a little) yet frustrated and disappointed.

Thanks for letting me get it off my chest!