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Hi, my car, which was parked near a fire hydrant, was towed by a local city council contracted private company. When I revisited the parking place, the only signs I saw were the yellow painting on the lid and small part of footpath, both of which were virtually invisible from the driver at night.

My questions are that as of today, what are the approved markings for fire hydrants. Is the marking other than the triangle like sign, which is more visible acceptable?

I understand that the vehicle must be more than 50 cm away from the fire hydrant. How do officers measure the distance??

Some people got off with infringement notices while others even find their cars towed away. Is it reasonable to tow away the car as soon as the officer have found a car park near the fire hydrant without firstly issuing only infringement notice?

The Police, parking wardens and local council have the power to authorise vehicles be towed if they believe on reasonable grounds that a vehicle is causing an obstruction. Parking over a fire hydrant is obstructing emergency services and the vehicle should be immediately towed as the issue of an infringement notice will not help emergency services if they need to put out a fire.

Measuring devices will be used however if you are parked over the hydrant then it's clear and there's nothing to measure.

If you feel the signage isn't adequate you should write in to dispute the infringement notice and tow. Take photos to back up your claims. As a last resort you could also dispute the case in court.

A yellow circle with a line going through the centre of it is also a fire hydrant sign.