As of October 1 parking infringement fees are going up,  announced the same time as the increase in the fine for parking in a mobility park without a permit, to account for inflation.

Since 2004, the penalty for parking infringement for parking in a mobility park without a permit was $150, from October 1 that penalty will increase to $750. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston and Transport Minister Simeon Brown said this decision was made because Parking in an area reserved for disabled people is the epitome of arrogance.

Increasing penalties for people who misuse mobility parking will level the playing field for disabled people by helping prevent unnecessary disruptions in their day-to-day lives.

In the review of this penalty, it was seen that regulated fees for towage and impoundment have not been updated since at least 2004 and are no longer covering operators’ costs. The Government has agreed to an inflation-based increase to the fees, to come into effect from 1 October 2024.

To read the full announcement go here:  https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/government-update-parking-penalties

To see the updated infringement fees go here: https://www.timaru.govt.nz/council/publications/fees-and-charges/parking

The most common infringement's issued in the Timaru District is overstaying the time limit, or failing to pay at all, and park on broken yellow lines. Here is what those infringements will look like from October 1.

The largest infringement increase is for anyone who parks in an area reserved for disabled persons which will jump from $150 to $750.