The Merri-Bek Council in Melbourne has acknowledged a significant error, which has led to overcharging hundreds of thousands of motorists for parking fines over the last 12 years. The council admitted that it failed to properly pass a vital resolution when it increased parking penalties by more than double in 2013. This oversight resulted in drivers being incorrectly fined an additional $43 to $59 on approximately 250,000 occasions from July 2013 through to June 2025.
Councillor Oscar Yildiz described the situation as a “major, major mistake,” highlighting the seriousness of the council’s oversight. The council area includes suburbs like Brunswick, Coburg, Fawkner, and Glenroy.
The issue was discovered when council staff reviewed their processes last year after a misinterpretation of the legislative requirements in 2013. Mayor Helen Davidson commented on the need for integrity and transparency in addressing the issue, stating, “We found the error and we’re fixing it; it’s the right thing to do for the residents and the motorists.”
The financial implications for the council are considerable, with estimated refunds potentially costing around $12 million. Beginning next month, the council will initiate a refund process, allowing affected motorists to apply online for reimbursement. Davidson assured that even those who have lost their tickets would still be eligible for the refund scheme.
Chief executive Cathy Henderson also confirmed that although this is a one-off cost, it will not adversely affect council services. The types of parking fines affected by this error include various violations such as overstaying the parking duration, not complying with posted signs, and improper parking techniques like failing to park at the designated angles.
In summary, the Merri-Bek Council’s admission not only reflects a significant administrative oversight but also underscores its commitment to rectify the mistake and uphold transparency in its dealings with the community.