Appealing an infringement

The Council has limited authority to withdraw infringements and may only do so in specific circumstances as permitted under relevant legislation. 

Before you lodge your request please ensure you read and understand the following information.

Circumstances we will consider

The following circumstances may be considered valid for the withdrawal of an infringement notice.

We will require a Statutory Declaration or other evidence stating that:

• You had a medical emergency that prevented you from removing your vehicle – documentation is required from your medical practitioner or hospital
• Your vehicle had broken down and you could not move it. You will need to supply a towing receipt or proof of repairs (e.g. a receipt for parts, an invoice from a mechanic, AANT callout documentation, etc)
• Your vehicle was stolen – you need to advise council of the PROMIS number provided by the Police upon reporting the incident
• You were detained by the Police – documentation from the Police is required.

Circumstances we will not consider

Appeals will generally not be granted if you received your infringement because:

• You entered an incorrect registration or selected an incorrect vehicle – you must pay for the vehicle number plate that you have parked.
• You pay for the wrong zone - you must ensure you check the zone signage to pay for the right zone for which your vehicle is parked
• The permit had fallen out of sight or flipped upside down – you must ensure permit is displayed correctly prior to leaving your vehicle
• You left your permit in the other car – if you do not have your permit you need to pay the parking for your vehicle and park legally in a bay that is available (not another reserved bay).
• You thought you were allowed to park there – only authorised vehicles can park in Loading Zones, Taxi Stands, Disabled Bays and Bus Zones
• You did not see the sign – as the driver you must look for parking signs to ascertain if parking is permitted in the area you intend to leave your vehicle
• You did not understand the parking sign – the signs are based on Australian Standards
• You lost track of time
• Your doctor’s appointment/hairdresser/job interview etc went over time – you must ensure you have parked in a place that provides enough time
• You had to use the toilet
• You were only parked for a few minutes – parking fees are to be paid after parking your vehicle.

Infringement Review Process

Step 1: Submit the form below including:

• Your name and postal address (we will respond in writing to the address provided)
• Contact telephone number
• The infringement notice number
• The vehicle registration number
• An explanation of why you believe the infringement notice should be reviewed
• Any supporting documentation. 

Step 2: The infringement will be placed on hold until the infringement review has been conducted. 

When undertaking the review, council will take into account all of the available information including:

• Photographs taken at the time of the infringement
• Body Warn Camera footage from the issuing officer
• Circumstances outlined by you in your request for the review (and any supporting documents)
• Relevant legislation (e.g. Australian Road Rules, Local Government Act, Darwin City Council By-Laws).

The review process can take up to 7 days. If insufficient information is provided, we may contact you for additional details before reviewing your infringement notice. If this information is not received, a decision will be made based on the information available.

Step 3: You will receive an outcome via email.

Once the review has been conducted, you will receive a response via email. Once the review has been completed, no further material or correspondence will be considered. 

Upon notification of the outcome, you will be advised of a new pay by date. Payment can be made either online or by calling 8930 0300.

Step 4: What happens next?

• Pay the infringement
• Additional costs: If a courtesy letter is generated further costs will be added to the original penalty. If you do nothing in response to the courtesy letter, an enforcement order may be made by the Fines Recovery Unit 1800 111 530 pursuant to the Fines & Penalties (Recovery) Act. If an enforcement order is made, further costs will be added to the amount due.
• Having the matter heard in court: If you wish to have the matter heard in the local court, you will need to complete the back of the infringement notice or courtesy letter at “election to have matter heard in Court” and return it to council. You may also advise Council by letter (GPO Box 84, Darwin, NT 0801) or email darwin@darwin.nt.gov.au.

If you do not pay the infringement notice, request a payment extension or elect to go to court by the new due date, the infringement will be processed in accordance with the Fines & Penalties (Recovery) Act.