‘Warning’ parking fines could have netted council more than half-a-million dollars

Wednesday, 25 September 2024

The first warning notices were issued in April, after new parking kiosks were installed in Hamilton (file photo).

Hamilton City Council has passed up more than half-a-million dollars in parking fine revenue since the introduction of new parking kiosks in April.

The Waikato Times looked into the issue after a reporter received what they initially believed was a $40 parking ticket.

Closer inspection, however, revealed it was a “warning notice”.

Waikato Times reporter explains how to register parking in Hamilton central using the electronic meters and PayMyPark mobile app.

“Next time you may receive a statutory vehicle infringement for the amount of $40.00,” the ticket said.

According to Hamilton City Council operate and maintain unit director Tania Hermann, the warning tickets were first issued on April 17 this year.

“If these tickets were real tickets at the current rate of $40, the value would be around $500,000,” she said.

However, the council has collected a bit more than that - $591,940.90 - since the pay by plate model came in. About 60% of those payments were made by app.

Users can get two hours of free parking before charges hit.

Previously, drivers didn’t have to do anything other than hop out of the car to get the free parking. Under the new system, they must log their number plate through the kiosk or on a mobile app.

Hermann said the warning tickets were to accompany the introduction of new parking meters.

“When new changes for the community are proposed, especially technology, it’s important we give them a chance to get it right,” she said.

The warning parking ticket received by a reporter informed them that ‘next time’ they may be hit with a $40 fine.

“In April 2024, when we installed new parking kiosks, we chose an education approach first rather than issuing a fine. In addition to a notice left on the vehicle, our staff on the street assist customers if approached or they can contact our call centre to enquire about what needs to be actioned.

“Each vehicle registration receives one warning, however repeat offenders receive a fine.”

She said that on average between April and August there were more than 50,000 parking events each month in the central city streets, and of that number around 2500 a month have been issued a warning to failing to use the parking kiosk or PayMyPark app.

“This could be due to several reasons including simply not registering or failing to complete the transaction,” she said.

Ahead of the introduction of the new meters Hamilton City Council’s transport unit director Gordon Naidoo said the new meters would represent a welcome upgrade from coin-operated meters.

Hamilton City Council Transport Unit Director Gordon Naidoo. He said at the time of the new meters launch it can be hard for people to become familiar with new technology.

He conceded, however, that adapting to the new technology isn’t easy for all.

“I know that technology is hard and people still struggle with it, myself included,” he said.