Do the same distress damage feasant rules apply on public land?
No. Only a police officer or traffic warden has the power to authorise the removal of any car obstructing a road or vehicle entrance, or causing some other traffic problem. This includes the removal of cars parked on fire hydrants, footpaths or yellow lines.
How much will it cost if my car is towed from public land?
If your car is towed between the hours of 7am and 6pm on weekdays it will usually cost you $52.50, or $70.00 at any other time. However, you don't have to pay immediately in order to get your car back. Instead, you will be issued with a further ticket which includes a stationary vehicle infringement fee which you must pay within 28 days. The cost of the infringement fee varies depending on the infringement but is generally $40-$60. If your car is towed from a clearway, for example, the infringement fee will be $60.
Councils do not tow indiscriminately and will usually only issue an infringement notice. There are some exceptions: cars parked in clearways or otherwise creating a hazard will be towed, as will those parked in entranceways (although a complaint may have to be made).
I got charged a towing fee, and the tow truck hadn't even arrived.
You incur the towing fee the minute the tow truck is called. However, if the parking warden is able to "on-charge" the fee to another illegally parked vehicle nearby, they may waive the tow fee.
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