City Ranger accidentally gives himself parking ticket; takes matter to court

| Editor-at-large | errol@betootaadvocate.com

A CITY OF Sydney parking ranger has ended up in local court after accidentally giving himself a parking ticket.

Rather than paying the somewhat extortionate $104 fine, ranger Stephan John Branks has elected to have the matter heard before a court.

“It was an honest misunderstanding,” says Mr Branks.

“I was only parked for 2 minutes,”

The move to have the case heard before a court has met with little sympathy from other members of the public.

“If that little c**t gets out of his ticket, I’ll f**king explode,” says Maroubra electrician Peter Mortlocke.

“I’ve had hundreds of f**king tickets in my day and if he’s f**king stupid enough to book himself, then I say tough f**king s**t,” says Mr Mortlocke.

In 2013, The City of Sydney generated over $33 million in parking fine revenue – which has prompted criticism from motorists.

The money generated from these fines has been earmarked for council projects such as playgrounds and bike lanes.

“We’re using the money to improve infrastructure for all residents,” says councillor Robert Kok.

“The City of Sydney 2030 vision includes a reduction in motor vehicle traffic and promotion of public and bicycle traffic.”

However, Robert Mortlocke disagrees with the plan.

“How in f**ks name am I supposed to get my tools and parts to a f**king job site if I’m forced to ride a bike?”

“I’ll tell you what, the moment I get told I’ve got a terminal disease, I’m going to shoot one of those f**king ranger c**ts just to watch them die.”

Mr Branks will have his parking fine heard before Downing Centre Local Court on December 12.