These changes were announced by Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston and Transport Minister Simeon Brown.
Louise Upston said that increasing penalties for those who misuse mobility parking will help create a fairer environment for disabled people, reducing unnecessary disruptions in their daily lives.
“Parking in an area reserved for disabled people is the epitome of arrogance. We need to get tough on this selfish behaviour, and that is why we are taking action,” Upston said. The penalty for this offence will rise significantly from $150 to $750, aligning New Zealand more closely with countries like Australia. “Increasing this will send a very clear message that this behaviour is not okay, and our Government is serious about addressing accessibility issues.”
In addition to stricter penalties, the Government is revising regulated fees for towage and impoundment, which have remained unchanged since at least 2004. From 1 October 2024, these fees will increase based on inflation, ensuring that tow-truck operators are not left out of pocket.
Transport Minister Simeon Brown said “ensuring we have a parking and towing system that promotes greater compliance and enables towing operators to cover their costs will create a more efficient transport system that enables Kiwis to visit the places they want to go.”
Brown also highlighted the outdated nature of current parking infringement fees, which have not been adjusted in two decades. “For example, in Auckland, this has meant that paying a parking ticket is sometimes cheaper than paying for parking,” he explained. “The changes the Government is announcing today will ensure that the value of penalty infringements is inflation-adjusted to support local councils with enforcement, something councils have been calling for.”
The Ministry of Transport will assist local government and the towage and storage sector in implementing these fee increases by 1 October.
Broadcaster Chris Lynch is an award winning journalist who also produces Christchurch news and video content for domestic and international companies. Chris blogs at Chris Lynch Media - where this article was sourced.
“Parking in an area reserved for disabled people is the epitome of arrogance. We need to get tough on this selfish behaviour, and that is why we are taking action,” Upston said. The penalty for this offence will rise significantly from $150 to $750, aligning New Zealand more closely with countries like Australia. “Increasing this will send a very clear message that this behaviour is not okay, and our Government is serious about addressing accessibility issues.”
In addition to stricter penalties, the Government is revising regulated fees for towage and impoundment, which have remained unchanged since at least 2004. From 1 October 2024, these fees will increase based on inflation, ensuring that tow-truck operators are not left out of pocket.
Transport Minister Simeon Brown said “ensuring we have a parking and towing system that promotes greater compliance and enables towing operators to cover their costs will create a more efficient transport system that enables Kiwis to visit the places they want to go.”
Brown also highlighted the outdated nature of current parking infringement fees, which have not been adjusted in two decades. “For example, in Auckland, this has meant that paying a parking ticket is sometimes cheaper than paying for parking,” he explained. “The changes the Government is announcing today will ensure that the value of penalty infringements is inflation-adjusted to support local councils with enforcement, something councils have been calling for.”
The Ministry of Transport will assist local government and the towage and storage sector in implementing these fee increases by 1 October.
Broadcaster Chris Lynch is an award winning journalist who also produces Christchurch news and video content for domestic and international companies. Chris blogs at Chris Lynch Media - where this article was sourced.
4 comments:
One can only hope that this 'crackdown' will extend to inept parking, almost exclusively I'm sorry to say - for I am one - by oldies. Expose and shame may be the only solution.
Parking spaces for handicapped can be enhanced with the use of striped yellow lines beside the spaces, clear NP lettering, and obvious warning signs. Only time and observation will tell of success - or otherwise.
In other words, they’re opting for virtue signalling that implementing real change.
Meanwhile, on road driver incompetence, including the use of cell phones, continues to cost us time, money & physical health.
Get ready for many more lucrative disabled parks…
I am all for the increased fine for parking in disabled parking. My wife has the appropriate badge and we regularly see able bodied people arrogantly parking in these parks. I just pity the poor traffic wardens enforcing it. As the people who park in the spaces are the usual suspects.
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