Parking infringement fees in Christchurch are set to rise for the first time in two decades, with the increases taking effect from 1 October.

Transport Operations Manager Stephen Wright said the Government had agreed to an inflation-based adjustment, which will be enforced by Christchurch City Council’s parking compliance officers.

Most of the fees were originally set in 2004.

“The Government has agreed to an inflation-based increase, and our parking compliance officers will be implementing the new fees. In some cases, paying a parking ticket has been cheaper than paying for parking,” Wright said.

The changes, based on the Consumer Price Index will result in a 70% increase in most parking infringement fees. For example, a fine for exceeding a paid time limit by up to 30 minutes will rise from $12 to $20.

The new fees also include a significant increase in fines for parking in mobility car parks reserved for disabled people, with penalties rising from $150 to $750. Wright said the Council supports the move to improve accessibility.

“It’s important that mobility parks are available for those who need them. Increasing the fine provides a strong incentive for people to think twice before parking in a mobility spot,” Wright said.

Parking infringement fines apply to a range of offences, including exceeding time limits, parking on broken yellow lines, blocking bus stops, using special vehicle lanes, and parking in loading zones or on footpaths. Fines also apply for issues like expired licence labels or warrant of fitness violations.

Towage and impoundment fees will also increase, as current levels are no longer covering operational costs.