The fines for people who misuse mobility parks are set to increase significantly.
It’s part of changes announced by Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston and Transport Minister Simeon Brown today.
It will also include changes to ensure towage fees do not leave tow truck operators out of pocket, and adjusting parking fines for inflation – about a 70% increase.
Upston said increasing penalties for those who misused mobility parking spots would “level the playing field for disabled people” by helping prevent unnecessary disruptions to their day-to-day 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. The current $150 penalty will increase to $750, reflecting the seriousness of this offence.
“The penalty for abusing mobility parking in New Zealand is far too low compared to other 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.”
Earlier this month, Porirua mayor Anita Baker told 1News those who used mobility parks without needing them were “absolute pests” who were “bloody lazy”.
Regulated fees for towage and impoundment have not been updated since 2004 and are no longer covering operators’ costs, Brown said.
The Government had agreed to an inflation-based increase to the fees, which will come into effect from October this year.
Brown said ensuring a parking and towing system that promoted greater compliance and enabled towing operators to cover their costs would create a more efficient transport system that would enable Kiwis to visit the places they wanted to go.
“Towage fees have been too low for too long. This has meant that tow-truck operators are often left out of pocket for the service they provide. That’s not acceptable and is why we’re updating fees.”
Towage and storage fees would increase using a composite index method to reflect the costs of running a towage business, Brown’s statement said. That meant there would be a 68% increase to towage fees, and a 98% increase to storage and mileage fees.
“Parking infringement fees have not been updated in two decades, making councils’ role in managing public parking increasingly difficult. For example, in Auckland, this has meant that paying a parking ticket is sometimes cheaper than paying for parking.
“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 would assist local government and the towage and storage sector to implement the fee increases by October.
