Dropped a board off in Brisbane city this morning. I was waiting in what I thought was a 20 minute loading zone, sitting in the car, enjoying a coffee. Then an inspector put a ticket for $60 under my wipers. 
After a minute of deliberating whether to punch the guy or not I:
#1 Made a mature, rational decision
#2 I figured the guy was a fair bit larger than me (must be in job specs)
#3 points 1 & 2
It turns out the loading zone didn't start for another 4 minutes.
- I'm thinking of objecting on the basis my clock is 4 minutes fast (it actually is).
- This is obviously revenue raising. If they really wanted to clear the road he could have just tapped on the window. Slapping me with a $60 fine leaves me still on the road.
BTW Stefan, the ticket is all mine. Thanks for the offer to pay for some of it though.
Write a letter saying you will take it to Court.
You had an honest belief that it was the right time ("Mistake of Fact" is the defence). You will get off as 4mins is just plainly ridiculous.
(Unless of course he observed you in the zone for about 5-10mins before approaching you?)
Maybe he's a tea drinker?
If this is the case he will be much smarter and you would be wise to drop the case.
Sorry panda - parking vultures are my daily gamble and pish me off too.
Ask to see documentation for when the clock on the ticket machine was last checked/calibrated[}:)]. Chances are that they can't be bothered to look for it and will drop the ticket to save the hassle.
If the load zone says it starts at 9, and the ticket says 8:56 i think you'll be fine. Just take in in, and show them. But be polite. They will probably make it difficult if you are angry/rude/agressive.
Actually I don't get too pished orf. It's a glass half full thing. 
I park free everyday (in 2 hr zones moving once - maybe twice - a day). Each year I get approx $200 in fines. Not happy but I still save around $1200-$1500 a year so I can't really get too bent outta shape.
Bet if you think about it Panda, you have won on 90% of illegal parking occasions too. 
Saviour the good times old bean.. And start drinking tea
