Fines increase for parking illegally in a mobility parking space

The fine for parking illegally in a Mobility Parking space without displaying a permit will increase from $40 to $150.

 

The increase will take effect from Thursday 26 June. The national infringement fee set by the government follows a change in the Land Transport (Offences and Penalties) Amendment regulations.

 

Manukau City Council Transport Manager Chris Freke says the government is sending a strong message to drivers that parking in a mobility parking space will not be tolerated.

 

“There are genuine permit holders in our communities relying on these parking spaces for ease of access that others take for granted.”

 

“It is up to the council’s parking officers to enforce the national law and ensure that these reserved parking spaces remain available for genuine drivers.”

 

Research undertaken by CCS Disability Action found that fifty per cent of vehicles using a public mobility parking space were doing so illegally.

 

“It is also a reminder to drivers with permits to ensure they display their permits correctly and in full view when parked, to avoid confusion and a possible infringement notice,” says Mr Freke.

 

Parking penalties in New Zealand ($40) are less of a deterrent compared to fines in England & Scotland ($2926), New South Wales ($454 to $545) and Chicago ($784).

 

The mobility parking scheme provides parking concessions to people with mobility disabilities. A Mobility Parking Permit allows disabled people to park conveniently close to their destination in accessible reserved parking spaces or park longer than the stated time in some standard car parks and metered spaces.