Council Urges Careful Parking As Infringement Fee Hike Takes Effect

• Central Government raises parking infringement fees, with some fines increasing by 70 percent.
• Incorrect use of mobility parks now incurs a steep penalty of $750 without a valid permit.
• Invercargill City Council reminds drivers to park mindfully and activate parking machines.

Invercargill City Council is encouraging residents to be more mindful when parking, as new parking infringement fees introduced by Central Government came into effect on October 1. These changes bring a significant average increase of 70 percent for overstaying and inconsiderate parking in Council-operated parking areas. Related: Council Claims To Have Fixed Parking Confusion

Environmental Services Manager Gillian Cavanagh explained that the last time fees were adjusted was back in 2004. She noted that Central Government revised the fees to better align with inflation rates. “The current fees did not match inflation, and the new ones have been set accordingly,” she said.

For those overstaying in a parking spot, fees have increased across the board. The minimum infringement fine for overstaying less than 30 minutes has gone up from $12 to $20. Meanwhile, overstaying by more than six hours will now result in a $97 fine, compared to the previous $57 charge. However, the most significant change affects those who misuse mobility parks, with fines jumping from $150 to $750 for parking without a valid disability permit.

Cavanagh stressed the importance of mobility parks for people who need closer access to town facilities. “Mobility parks are vital for those who struggle to walk long distances and need easy access to facilities in town. People abusing these parks make life a lot harder for those with disabilities,” she said. “Even if you think you are only going to be five minutes, that time could totally disrupt someone who really needs that park."

To help avoid fines, the Council is reminding residents to ensure they are parking correctly and have activated parking machines when using metered parking. Parking payments in Invercargill's CBD will remain unchanged. Drivers can use the PayMyPark app or coin and Paywave kiosks to pay, and metered parking still allows the first 30 minutes free after activating by entering a number plate.

For further details, drivers can visit the Invercargill City Council's website.