Man fined for parking on ex-wife’s driveway ends legal battle

A businessman’s David-and-Goliath legal battle with a WA council over a fine for parking in his ex-wife’s driveway has ended.

Mining executive Simon Youds thought he had parked legally on his ex-wife’s South Perth driveway on Australia Day in 2017.

But – under public holiday traffic rules – he had actually parked on a ‘verge’. And when he returned from visiting his ex-wife and three children he found a $300 fine notice on his car.

South Perth Council says it sent out flyers to local residents, explaining the rules for Australia Day. The council requires certain streets to be kept clear on Australia in case of a mass evacuation.

Mr Youds appealed the fine, claiming the signage was not clear.

“A verge is a thing with grass on it. Just because legally there is a term that says a verge is something else. That is not communicated,” he told 9News.

Mr Youds was due to fight his fine in Perth Magistrates yesterday. But after learning from the magistrate that he could be up for up to $10,000 to pay for a lawyer he reluctantly conceded defeat.

“I don’t have enough money to have principals that expensive,” he said.

He will now have to pay $800 – comprising the $300 fine plus the council’s legal costs.