Driver challenges hefty $722 Olympic Park parking fine

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TONY BOSWORTH | A MOTORIST fined $722 for allegedly parking in a disabled parking bay at Sydney Olympic Park (SOP) has questioned whether the space was clearly enough marked, saying drivers should be given a reasonable opportunity to recognise parking restrictions before being penalised.

Robert Bicakcian received the infringement notice while attending the BusNSW exhibition at Sydney Olympic Park as an exhibitor and he has since decided to challenge the fine in court.

He said he parked during the evening in what appeared to be an ordinary, white-lined space on Cathy Freeman Avenue and did not realise it was reserved for Mobility Parking Scheme permit holders.

“When I returned to my vehicle, I found that I had been issued a $722 penalty for stopping in a disabled parking area without displaying a permit,” Mr Bicakcian said.

“What concerns me is not simply the fine. It is the way the parking space was presented to motorists.”

Mr Bicakcian said photographs he took showed no wheelchair symbol painted within the bay, no blue line markings, no blue surface treatment or accessible parking wording on the roadway.

There was also no accessible parking sign immediately beside the particular bay where his vehicle was parked, he said.

“I fully support strong enforcement of accessible parking,” he said.

“These spaces must be protected for people who genuinely need them, and I would never knowingly occupy one without a permit.

“However, motorists should also be given a clear and reasonable opportunity to identify the restriction and comply with it.”

But the NSW government, which runs SOP, said the parking row was marked with accessible parking signs at each end, including a sign near a pay station less than 10 metres from where Mr Bicakcian parked.

Sydney Olympic Park also has parking areas where permanent pavement markings are not used, and they say that’s because spaces and restrictions can change according to event and operational requirements. Parking restrictions are instead noted through nearby signs.

But Mr Bicakcian argues: “if an accessible parking space is important enough to attract a $722 penalty, why is it not important enough to be unmistakably marked?”

He has requested that the matter be heard in court after Revenue NSW reviewed and upheld the infringement notice.

Mr Bicakcian has also asked for photographs taken by the ticketing officer, particularly any image showing his vehicle together with signage or markings identifying the space as an accessible bay.

“That is the central issue in dispute,” he said.

“If the accessible parking designation was as clear and obvious as is now being suggested, the photographs taken at the time should demonstrate that clearly.”

A spokesperson for the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure said the infringement had been correctly issued and subsequently reviewed.

“The vehicle was issued an infringement for parking in a designated accessible parking bay without displaying a valid Mobility Parking Scheme permit on 15 July 2026,” the spokesperson said.

“This matter has already been reviewed by Revenue NSW, which upheld the infringement. As the matter is now before the courts, it would not be appropriate for Sydney Olympic Park Authority to comment further.”

Mr Bicakcian has also contacted the office of Parramatta MP Donna Davis - which has advised it will seek a response from Sydney Olympic Park Authority - and he has also been in touch with NSW Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison and Premier Chris Minns.

He said regardless of the outcome of his court challenge, he intends to continue to “raise the issue through social media and other appropriate channels”.

Image below: The parking spot which Mr Bicakcian claims has unclear signage around use for Mobility Parking Scheme permit holders.

 

 

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