Chances of a warning for parking fine

[pauljh74]

Just wondering if anyone in dealings with Melbourne City Council has had a fine downgraded to a warning - like you can with low level speeding fines.
I copped one last night - normally when a sign says meter parking in certain times - outside those times it is free parking. I was parked outside the meter times, but the bit about at all other times it is a loading zone didn't register until I came out and found the ticket on my car (and the other 3 cars in the same section) - had another good look at the sign and it was clear enough. I don't know how many delivery vehicles load/unload in the city at 7pm on a Sunday night though.

I haven't had ANY parking fines previously - I don't tend to park illegally and think "I'll only be gone for a few minutes". That and I also tend to avoid going into the city where there are heavier restrictions on parking.

So I'm wondering if it is possible to apply in writing to get it downgraded to a warning or are the councils so addicted to parking revenue they won't let it go. I am admitting I am guilty of the parking offence - so I'm not contesting it, just trying to get out of a fine. I have looked at the council website and information about what I'm after isn't there from what I can see. There is a section about contesting a fine - and if you believe there is a good reason not to pay it, then you can contest it. My only "good reason" would be my previously flawless history in terms of parking fines.

[Rodp]

Worth a shot, but I think you've got no hope.

I got stung (and admittedly was my own fault) on a street in Surry Hills on a Sunday morning. Was doing a job and parked outside the site I was attending. Took note of several of the street signs and all noted that parking was free on a Sunday. However, where I parked (I later found out...) was the only 10 meter stretch of parking on a 1km road that was meter parking on a Sunday.

Got back to my car and me and the car behind me received a love letter from the council. I also do work for that city council, they didn't want to hear a word about dropping that fine though.

[Peter B - CV8]

2 chances.. none & buckley's. Pay the fine & learn from the experience.