Gardener Ori Weiser slapped with $750 fine for pulling car over to help sick dog

A man has been slapped with a $750 fine after he pulled his car over for what he claims was “one minute” to allow his sick dog to vomit on the grass.

Ori Weiser, who operates a gardening business, told Post Newspapers the drama unfolded in Cottesloe after his dog started to feel unwell as he was driving along Marine Parade last Wednesday.

Mr Weiser said he pulled over into a “near empty” part of the carpark opposite Cottesloe General Store to let his dog vomit. The area was marked with “No Stopping” signs, between two disabled bays.

“It took no more than one minute,” he said.

As he went back to his car, he noticed a council parking ranger taking notes.

“I asked him what he was doing, and he said he was writing me a $500 citation for blocking a disabled parking spot,” Mr Weiser said.

Mr Weiser said that he tried explained to the ranger as to why he was parked there, to which the ranger allegedly looked him in the eyes and said “I don’t care” and walked back to his colleague and laugh.

But as Mr Weiser phoned the council and talked to what he believed was the ranger’s “apologetic” boss, the two rangers then whacked him another $250 fine for blocking traffic.

Mr Weiser says he then drove straight to the council administration building, where he was told he would have to start an appeal process because a citation could not be cancelled.

Speaking to PerthNow on Friday, Mr Weiser said that, since lodging his appeal he thought that the council might have used some “common sense” and had the fine withdrawn, but that has not been the case.

“It’s just spineless behaviour, and very unnecessary,” he said.

“For small and struggling trade businesses, $750 is a big hit and can really impact us.”

Mr Weiswer said he is no longer confident in the appeal process.

“I understand there’s rules and regulations, but there’s also humanity and kindness,” he said.

“Especially in an already very rich suburb... the punishment doesn’t add up with the action.”

This year, Cottesloe’s parking inspectors are expected to reel in $1.34 million this year — having already accrued $1 million since January, according to Post Newspapers.

The Town has said that is is unable to comment Mr Weiser’s incident directly, but stated Mr Weiser’s infringement was from parking in one of the Town’s ACROD bays.

“ACROD bays are designated parking spaces for those who have mobility restrictions,” a Town spokesperson told Post Newspapers.

“While Mr Weiser’s vehicle was not parked completely in the ASCROS bay, it was partly in the bay which obstructed it from being able to be used by a permit holder.”