Parking
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Parking offences
Parking in Auckland City is in high demand, especially during peak times.
Auckland City Council parking officer's use education and enforcement to help
turn over parking spaces, road safety and keeping main thoroughfares free from
blockages.
The following is a list of infringements that parking officer's commonly
issue. Under each infringement is a list of frequently asked questions. The
answers will provide you with information explaining why a parking officer has
issued a particular infringement notice.
- No evidence of vehicle inspection - not being a heavy motor vehicle or vehicle used
in a transport service
- Failing to display a licence label
- In a Pay and Display not displaying a receipt in manner required
- Parked in Pay and Display in excess of max time allowed
- Parked over time on pay and display receipt
- Restricted to authorised vehicles only
- Obstructing a vehicle entrance
- Parked on a Footpath
- Parked on a pedestrian Mall
- Parked within 500mm of a fire hydrant
- Sign prohibiting parking between certain hours (Clearways)
- Parked in a GSV loading zone not being a GSV
- Parked in a loading zone when not loading or unloading
- Failed to park as close as practical to the left / right
- Parked
facing the wrong direction on a two way road
- Parked facing the wrong direction on a one way road
- Parked on a pedestrian crossing
- Parked on a broken yellow line
- Parked beside a stopped vehicle (double parked)
- Parked in an area reserved for disabled persons
- Parked in an area for resident permit holders only
- Parked in an area restricted to two-wheeled vehicles
- Parked in excess of maximum authorised time
- Parked contrary to a sign no parking at all times
- Parked in an area restricted to police vehicles
- Parked a vehicle not being a taxi in a taxi stand
- Parked in a bus parking area
- Parked in an area restricted to licensed street stalls
- Parked in an area prohibited between certain hours/days
- Parked in a bus stop
- Parked close to bend obstructing traffic
- Parked in a GSV loading zone not being a GSV
No
evidence of vehicle inspection - not being a heavy motor vehicle or vehicle used
in a transport service
The offence relates to a vehicle that does not have a
current evidence of vehicle inspection sticker more commonly referred to as a
warrant of fitness or WOF.
Auckland City Council issues these notices to vehicles that
are parked on public roads and Auckland City Council owned properties.
FAQ
Why have I received this notice?
I have a current
warrant of fitness
Has the sticker been hole
punched? On occasion a testing station or garage will forget to hole punch the
sticker. You will need to return to the testing station/garage to remedy this.
The infringement notice has been issued for failing to display the correct
licence label/evidence of inspection sticker.
Please bear in mind that we will be able to determine from Land Transport New
Zealand whether the warrant of fitness was current at the time when we receive your call. So
please ensure that you check your records before calling
The vehicle was parked outside my own home and I do not have off street parking.
My vehicle
has an exemption from Land Transport New Zealand in order for me to repair my
vehicle.
My vehicle failed its
warrant of fitness test, but I have 28 days to complete the repairs
I displayed the check sheet on the dashboard.
My vehicle
is roadworthy and only failed on a minor point.
I didn't
realise my warrant of fitness was expired and was a genuine oversight but have now obtained
one.
I did not
receive a reminder as I have moved address.
I needed
to use my vehicle to go to work on that day.
Why is the fee $200?
Failing to display a licence label
Under the Transport (Vehicle and Driver Registration and
Licensing) Act 1986, all vehicles must display a current licence label - more
commonly called a registration label.
FAQ
My licence
label is current why did I receive an infringement notice?
My
warrant of fitness is expired and I cannot get a new licence label.
The
vehicle was parked outside my own home and I do not have off street parking.
I did
not receive a reminder as I have moved address.
I have a
new licence label for my vehicle.
I have back
paid for the period that the licence label was expired.
Parked
in Pay and Display in excess of max time allowed
Pay and display machines assist in rationing parking in
areas of high demand and these machines have proven their effectiveness. Should
individuals require longer parking, numerous off-street car park facilities are
designed to meet those needs, such as car parking buildings.
Auckland City Council Consolidated Bylaw 1998 Transport
2006 part 25.15.5(e) states that the vehicle must be removed from a pay and
display restricted area immediately on or at some time before the end of the
maximum time declared for the pay and display area. The purchase of additional
pay and display receipts is not permitted. When vehicles overstay the maximum
parking time, other motorists can be disadvantaged.
FAQ
I parked
in a P60 pay and display area but needed to park longer so I purchased another
receipt.
After my
receipt expired, I moved forward three spaces and purchased another receipt.
My
appointment was running overtime and I could not return to my vehicle on time.
I was only
8 minutes over the maximum time allowed not thirty minutes.
I still had a valid parking
receipt the officer made an error.
In a Pay and Display not displaying a receipt in manner required
Pay and display machines assist in rationing parking in areas of high demand
and these machines have proven their effectiveness.
It is the driver's responsibility, when electing to park in a pay and display
restricted area, to obtain a parking receipt and display this on the dashboard
of their vehicle, writing side up, so as to be clearly visible and conspicuous
to the enforcement officer on patrol.
FAQ
I purchased a receipt so why was an infringement notice issued?
The pay and display machine would not print a receipt. I left a note on my
vehicle to let the parking officer know.
The machine would not accept my coins and I was running late for a meeting.
The shop would not exchange my $5 note for coins so I had to find somewhere else
to get change.
I returned 10 minutes later with my change to buy a pay and display receipt.
I only had to pop into the shop to pick up a book.
I am not from Auckland and did not realise you had to pay and display.
Parking on Sundays has always been free, why did I receive an infringement?
The pole has two signs on it with P60 on one side and P120 on the other.
I had a valid pay and display receipt why did I receive an infringement notice?
Parked
over time on pay and display receipt
Pay and display machines assist in rationing parking in
areas of high demand and these machines have proven their effectiveness. Should
individuals require longer parking, numerous off-street car park facilities are
designed to meet those needs, such as car parking buildings.
FAQ
My
appointment was running overtime and I could not return to my vehicle on time.
I put two
dollars in the machine, but then I realised I needed more time so I purchased
another receipt 2 minutes later.
Restricted to authorised vehicles only
On-street parking within Auckland City is under pressure.
To assist the numerous motoring groups with their parking needs. Parking areas
set aside for authorised vehicles only usually apply when a special event is
being held or to specify what type of vehicle is permitted to park there.
FAQ
I am a
taxi driver and I pulled into this zone to wait for a customer to arrive.
I was a
volunteer for the round the bays fun run and parked in this area, why was I
towed.
Obstructing a vehicle entrance
A vehicle parked alongside any part of a kerb crossing
provided for a driveway or within 1 m of the prolongation of the side of a
driveway must be regarded as obstructing entry or exit.
FAQ
The owner
gave me permission to park there.
The
vehicle entrance is wide enough and therefore my vehicle was not causing an
obstruction.
The
vehicle in front was parked inconsiderately and only a small part of my vehicle
was within the vehicle entrance.
The
vehicle entrance looks like it was not in use that is why I parked there.
Why was my vehicle
towed?
Parked
on a Footpath
Footpaths are designed for the safe movement of people
around the streets and are not designed for vehicles. The Land Transport (Road
User) Rule 2004 part 6.14 states that a driver or person in charge of a vehicle
must not stop, stand or park the vehicle on a footpath.
FAQ
I only
had two wheels on the footpath because the street is narrow
I was
parked outside my garage why did I get this infringement?
It is a
wide footpath and there is plenty of room for pedestrians to walk past
Parked
on a pedestrian Mall
The purpose of a pedestrian mall is to provide a place
where people can relax and enjoy the surroundings at all times. Moving or
parked vehicles disrupt the mall's environment and increase the possibility of
pedestrian accidents. People expect to move freely around the mall without
having to check for vehicles.
FAQ
I did not
know I was not allowed to park there.
Parked
within 500mm of a fire hydrant
A fire hydrant must be kept clear at all times so that
access to the water supply is immediately available in case of an emergency.
The handle required to operate the stop valve on a fire hydrant is one metre in
length. Parking a vehicle within 500 millimetres prevents the handle from
turning and may result in damage to the vehicle. The New Zealand Fire Service
will use force if necessary to remove vehicles in emergencies.
FAQ
I
was not aware that there was a fire hydrant there.
Sign
prohibiting parking between certain hours (Clearways)
Clearways are designed for safe and smooth traffic flow on
busy road during peak hours. These areas must be kept free of stationary
vehicles so that other motorists are not inconvenienced. Motorists expect to
use roads without unnecessary delays during peak periods.
The vehicle should be removed prior to the commencement of
the clearway as every minute the vehicle remains parked disadvantages other road
users.
FAQ
I was parked in a pay and
display area and I paid $4.00, which gave me an hours parking
I thought
the clearway restriction was further ahead as the sign was facing towards me.
I just
stopped temporarily to pick up my friend.
Why did
the parking officer issue an infringement notice after I was advised to move?
Parked
in a GSV loading zone not being a GSV
Auckland City Council endeavours to provide a comprehensive
range of parking services to meet the needs of the various user groups. It aims
to manage the available parking in a manner that enables as many motorists as
possible the opportunity to enjoy all the facilities of our city.
Auckland City Council sets aside parking areas specifically
reserved for goods service vehicles.
FAQ
I was
dropping off goods why did I receive an infringement notice?
I have a
station wagon why did I receive an infringement notice?
My goods
service vehicle is being repaired, I displayed my business card on the dashboard
of my loan vehicle yet I still received an infringement notice.
I was
collecting a heavy parcel from a store; this is why I parked here.
Parked
in a loading zone when not loading or unloading
To be fair on other motorists, you must be actively loading
and unloading your vehicle when parked in these zones. If you have unloaded or
loaded your vehicle and are required to stay on site for a period, you must park
your vehicle in a regular parking area.
FAQ
I had to
deliver a parcel to the tenth floor of the building
Failed
to park as close as practical to the left / right
Vehicles parked with an unacceptable amount of roadway
between the vehicle and the kerb, are not deemed to be parked in the manner
required by law. Road safety is compromised in such circumstances and
infringement notices will be issued accordingly.
FAQ
The rear
of my vehicle was only a bit further away from the kerb
I parked
my vehicle on the traffic island to make a delivery it does not say that I
cannot park there
I was parked
on a one-way street
Parked
facing the wrong direction on a two way road
Driving across the road to park facing the wrong direction,
against the traffic flow, creates a safety hazard not only to yourself but also
to on-coming traffic and pedestrians. When exiting the park there is a greater
risk of an accident occurring, as your span of vision is reduced. The more
lanes there are, the greater the risk.
FAQ
I am in
New Zealand on holiday and it is ok to park the opposite direction in the UK
I parked
in the opposite direction so that I could safely unload goods from my vehicle
Parked
facing the wrong direction on a one way road
In a one-way road, the vehicle must face in the same
direction as the vehicles proceeding along the road and as close as practicable
to either side of the road. One way roads are indicated by an arrow on the
roadway.
FAQ
I accessed
the road from the other direction and just parked close to the intersection
Parked
on a pedestrian crossing
A vehicle parked on or close to, a pedestrian crossing
increases the risk of accidents. The span of vision of other motorists and
pedestrians is reduced.
FAQ
There are
no signs that state I cannot park close or on a pedestrian crossing
Parked
on a broken yellow line
Auckland City Council as well as the New Zealand Police and
Land Transport New Zealand considers this type of offence to be of serious
concern from a road safety perspective.
Broken yellow lines are placed on a road where deemed
necessary as a permanent and visible warning to drivers that parking on this
portion of the road is not permitted, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. One
vehicle parked on, or partially on, broken yellow lines causes a physical and
visual obstruction, thereby compromising the safety of other road users and
pedestrians.
This includes
when:
- the driver is sitting in the vehicle
- the motor is running
- the hazard lights are flashing
- the vehicle is waiting to pick someone up/dropping someone
off
- you may see broken yellow lines at:
- the intersection side of pedestrian crossings
- near intersections
- bus Stops
- taxi Stands
- narrow or winding roads
- or any other place where the controlling authority deems it
necessary for the safety of pedestrians or other road users.
FAQ
My vehicle
was only partly parked on broken yellow lines
It was
late at night and I could not see the broken yellow lines
It was
raining and I could not see the broken yellow lines
I
parked where a vehicle had exited
The broken
yellow lines were faded or covered with debris
Parked
beside a stopped vehicle (double parked)
Double parking disrupts the flow of traffic, causing a
visual and physical obstruction to other motorists and pedestrians. The Land
Transport (Road User) Rule 2004 Part 6.11 states that a driver or person in
charge of a vehicle must not stop, stand, or park the vehicle so that any other
stopped motor vehicle is located between his or her vehicle and the nearest edge
of the roadway.
This includes when:
(a) A person remains in the vehicle.
(b) It is for a short period of time.
(c) You are waiting for a space to become available.
(d) The engine is running.
(e) Waiting to pick someone up/or dropping someone off.
FAQ
A vehicle
was indicating that they were vacating the space
Parked
in an area reserved for disabled persons
Auckland City Council sets aside designated parking areas
to make it easier for people with disabilities to park as close as possible to
where they are going. Only mobility parking permit holders are entitled to park
in these spaces, with their parking permit displayed prominently. If no permit
is on display, the vehicle will be issued with an infringement notice and may be
towed away.
FAQ
I have
broken my leg and cannot walk far so parked in the mobility parking space
I have a
mobility-parking permit but I forgot to display it
I parked
late at night and it is not likely that a mobility permit holder would use the
parking space
Parked
in an area for resident permit holders only
Some areas of Auckland city have limited or no residential
off-street parking, particularly in the central business district. Auckland
City Council operates a residential parking scheme in certain streets, providing
inner city residents with limited parking spaces. These areas can be
multi-purpose, providing resident permit holder parking in the evenings and
regular on street parking during the day. It is always important to read all
parking signs carefully.
These restrictions can also be temporary in nature when a
large event is being held for example a rugby game in Eden Park.
FAQ
I am a
resident in the street and I am allowed to park outside my house
I was
visiting my friend who has a residential parking permit and parked in their
space
I park in
this street regularly and today I received an infringement
I did not
see the signs when I parked early in the morning.
I am a
resident in the street who does not have a permit but I was not aware that
temporary resident signs had been erected
I left my
vehicle parked on the street without a permit while I was away on holiday
Parked
in an area restricted to two-wheeled vehicles
Auckland City Council endeavours to provide a comprehensive
range of parking services to meet the needs of the various user groups. It aims
to manage the available parking in a manner that enables as many motorists as
possible the opportunity to enjoy all the facilities of our city.
Auckland City Council sets aside areas restricted to
two-wheeled vehicles only, so that motorcycles, bicycles and the like have an
area to legally park. Vehicles not of this class who park in these areas
further restrict the already limited space set aside for them.
FAQ
This area
was free of bikes when I parked
Parked
in excess of maximum authorised time
As with any large city, traffic flow and on-street parking
is under pressure. I acknowledge that not everyone will be able to park when
and where they require it. Time restricted parking creates the opportunity for
a fair turnover of available on-street parking. By overstaying the maximum
authorised time, other motorists wishing to park can be disadvantaged.
FAQ
I moved
three spaces ahead of where I had parked
The
meeting was running late and I could not leave to move the vehicle
I was
only 8 minutes over the maximum time allowed not thirty minutes
I had a
valid pay and display receipt why did I receive an infringement notice?
Parked
contrary to a sign no parking at all times
No stopping restrictions are installed in areas where
vehicles are not permitted to park, the area is required to be free of
vehicles. These restrictions can be fixed to apply at certain times on specific
days or can be temporary in nature when road resealing is undertaken by Auckland
City Council maintenance contractors. Parking a vehicle in these zones can cause
obstruction to the traffic flow and inconvenience other motorists.
FAQ
I was not
aware that the road was going to be resealed
Parked
in an area restricted to police vehicles
Auckland City Council sets aside parking areas for
authorised police vehicles and they must be kept clear of other vehicles.
FAQ
I parked
on Kingdon Street at 11pm outside the District Court, the police don't need to
park there after court hours
I had to
go to the police station to make a statement
Parked
a vehicle not being a taxi in a taxi stand
Areas within the city set aside for taxis. Taxi stands
must be kept clear at all times to allow these vehicles to provide a service to
the public. This ensures passengers are able to enter or exit a taxi safely
without disrupting the flow of traffic. Taxi stands apply 24 hours a day, seven
days a week, unless otherwise stated on the sign.
FAQ
There were
no taxi vehicles parked there and I was just picking up my friend
My vehicle
is a taxi, why did I receive an infringement notice?
Parked
in a bus parking area
Auckland City Council endeavours to provide a comprehensive
range of parking services to meet the needs of the various user groups. Due to
the size of buses, parking areas do not readily accommodate them and therefore,
these areas are placed throughout the city. Parking in a bus parking area
reduces the number of available bus parking areas. These areas can be
multi-purpose, providing bus parking in the evenings and regular on street
parking during the day. It is always important to read all parking signs
carefully.
FAQ
I was
parked at the front of the bus parking area and there was plenty of room behind
me
Parked in an area restricted to licensed street
stalls
Stall Holders pay a fee in order
to place their stalls on street. These stalls provide goods and services to the
public, for example, hot food in areas of high demand during the evening like
Shortland Street and Fort Street. People who park their vehicles in these zones
can prevent the stallholder from conducting their business. These areas can be
multi-purpose, providing licensed street stallholder parking in the evenings and
regular on street parking during the day. It is always important to read all
parking signs carefully.
FAQ
I did not realise it was a
restricted area as I have parked here before without being towed
Parked
in an area prohibited between certain hours/days
No Stopping zones are designed for the safe and smooth
traffic flows and must be kept free of stationary vehicles so that other
motorists are not inconvenienced.
FAQ
I was
parked on a suburban street and did not realise that here was a no stopping
restriction
Parked
in a bus stop
Bus stops must be kept clear at all times to allow buses
(large passenger vehicles) to park close to the kerb. This ensures passengers
are able to enter or exit a bus safely and that traffic flow is not disrupted.
One vehicle parked on a bus stop can hinder a bus from safely manoeuvring into
and out of the area. Parking on a bus stop is not permitted, 24 hours a day,
seven days a week, unless otherwise stated on the sign. These areas can be
multi-purpose, providing bus stops during peak hours and other restriction
applicable at other times. It is always important to read all parking signs
carefully.
FAQ
There was
plenty of space for the bus to park
Parked
close to bend obstructing traffic
A vehicle parked close to a bend or an intersection
increases the risk of accidents. The span of vision of other motorists and
pedestrians is reduced. In addition, motorists turning can be forced into
another lane or on-coming traffic to get around a parked vehicle.
FAQ
I have
always parked this way outside my house
Parked in a GSV loading zone not being a GSV
Auckland City Council endeavours to provide a comprehensive range of parking
services to meet the needs of the various user groups. It aims to manage the
available parking in a manner that enables as many motorists as possible the
opportunity to enjoy all the facilities of our city.
Auckland City Council sets aside parking areas specifically reserved for
goods service vehicles.
FAQ
I was dropping off goods why did I receive an
infringement notice?
I have a station wagon why did I receive an infringement
notice?
My goods service vehicle is being repaired, I displayed
my business card on the dashboard of my loan vehicle yet I still received an infringement notice
I was collecting a heavy parcel from a store; this is
why I parked here.
Last updated September 2009
