Fine for parking in disabled park without a permit to rise to $750

Thursday, 29 August 2024

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People who park in disability car parks without a permit will soon face a $750 fine, an increase of $600.

Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston and Transport Minister Simeon Brown say tow-truck operators were ending up out of pocket as fines had not been adjusted for inflation.

“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,” said Upston.

“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 OK.”

Regulated fees for towage and impoundment had not been updated since 2004 and were no longer covering operators’ costs, they said. The changes come into effect from October.

Said Brown, “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.

“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 Motor Trade Association’s sector manager Larry Fallowfield says the change was welcome - the association had advocated for an increase for two decades.

“Tow truck operators have unfairly carried the can and cost for providing an essential service for far too long.

“[The association] has advocated for this for 20 years, but despite numerous reviews, successive governments have chosen not to adjust the fees. We stepped up our calls at the start of last year to argue for an increase that reflected inflation.

“Today’s announcement shows this Government has listened, although there is still work to be done.”

Towage fees would increase by 68%, and mileage and storage by 98% from October 1, Fallowfield said.

But he also called for regular reviews of pricing to reflect inflation and for consideration to be given to the extra costs incurred in difficult recoveries.

“Some impound recoveries can take up to two hours because there’s no key, no wheels, or the vehicle is in a hard to access area.

“And in many accidents the vehicle has ended up off the road in a paddock or ditch, or down a bank.”

The association will seek feedback from tow truck members and work with Government on implementing the new fees.