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Mansfield Shire to Refund Overcharged Parking Fines After Administrative Error

The council says a missed formal resolution meant higher penalties were wrongly applied under Victoria's Road Safety Act.

Overview

  • Up to 765 infringements dating back to 2009 were affected, with an estimated $34,588 taken above the default rate and as much as $10,000 in extra fees.
  • A refund scheme is being developed, and eligible motorists will be contacted directly rather than needing to lodge claims.
  • The error involved issuing 11 parking fine categories at 0.2–0.5 penalty units without the required council vote, where the default $41 rate should have applied.
  • Legal advice has been sought and the investigation continues to confirm overpayment amounts and finalise refund mechanics.
  • Mayor Steve Rabie apologised, described the issue as avoidable, and called for clearer state-to-council guidance to prevent repeat errors.