Appeals: acceptable and the unacceptable
The parking appeals officer has set out general scenarios where refunds are either likely to be granted or denied:
Refund
Adhesive failed to hold the permit in place: The failure of the adhesive is a matter for Dublin City Council and its agents. No fault can apply to the driver.
Good Samaritan: Where a driver can demonstrate that s/he was doing somebody else a favour or providing assistance and while doing so was clamped. A full refund is recommended.
Garda on official business: Provided the appeal includes a letter on an official Garda letterhead and signed by an officer of inspector rank or above a refund is made. These cars are exempt.
Car was stolen: Provided there is evidence to support the claim, the owner cannot reasonably be held responsible.
Deny refund
Urgent business/unavoidably delayed: No sympathy unless it is a true emergency with supporting evidence.
Assumed road markings or signs were incorrect or no longer applicable: The only safe and appropriate assumption to make is that the signs and markings mean what they say.
50 per cent refund
Garda said it was okay to park: If a letter from a Garda confirms that the driver was advised that it was okay to park e.g. in a loading bay, then the driver may have acted in good faith even if ill-advised.