[dragonwriter]

Maybe, but then still no? They purchased the right to park a specific vehicle, which they identified with a description that did not match the actual vehicle they chose to park. They received, but did not use, exactly what they paid for.

[vehementi]

I don't think judges like shitty gotchas like that.

[dragonwriter]

I am far from an expert in Australian law, but I don’t think you can usually take a local council to court, though I think there is a state level Ombudsman you can seek review from of some or all decisions. But, I think you'd be gerring review of the decision on the fine for the violation, not a refund of the parking fee in that case (and, if you could sue, that would be true there, too.)