BLUE BOMBER OUT OF LINE

IN anyone else’s book, Johnathon Dao’s car is neatly parked off the street on his own property, squeezed into his driveway.

But not in the opinion of a parking inspector who this week ignored the fact Dr Dao has been parking in the same tiny spot on his property for the past five years without any other inspector raising a quizzical eyebrow.

The blue bomber deemed the car in breach of parking regulations, issuing a ticket that described the offence this way: “Stopping at the side of a road with a continuous yellow edge line.’’

Dr Dao has been fined $157, but intends appealing. Most will think “with good reason too’’. If this fine stands, where does that leave everyone else? Can a resident really be pinged for parking on their property if there is a yellow line out the front?

Most drivers comply with regulations, understanding the line is a warning that cars can’t be left on that side of the street.

Jefferson Lane is narrow, which is why cars can’t be parked on Dr Dao’s side. But his car was in his property.

From photos supplied to the Bulletin by Dr Dao, the car is clearly tucked into its tiny space on his land. There is no footpath on his side of the narrow lane, so he can’t be accused of leaving the car where it hinders pedestrians. His tyres might barely touch the line. There can’t be more than a few centimetres in it.

No one envies parking inspectors their job. It’s a thankless task, but people generally accept it is necessary, otherwise there would be parking anarchy. But occasionally some inspectors are overzealous. In this instance there appears little reason for slapping a fine on the resident.

The public is already edgy about traffic delays and parking restrictions during the Commonwealth Games. This fine seems unnecessary and its reason would fail the pub test.

Over-the-top parking bureaucracy should not be allowed to get out of hand, especially with so many tourists coming and at a time when the city wants to be seen in a good light.