The New Zealand Government is taking action against the misuse of disabled parking spaces, introducing measures to ensure that tow-truck operators are fairly compensated and that parking fines are adjusted for inflation.
These changes were announced by Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston and Transport Minister Simeon Brown.
Louise Upston said that increasing penalties for those who misuse mobility parking will help create a fairer environment for disabled people, reducing unnecessary disruptions in their daily lives.
“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,” Upston said. The penalty for this offence will rise significantly from $150 to $750, aligning New Zealand more closely with countries like Australia. “Increasing this will send a very clear message that this behaviour is not okay, and our Government is serious about addressing accessibility issues.”
In addition to stricter penalties, the Government is revising regulated fees for towage and impoundment, which have remained unchanged since at least 2004. From 1 October 2024, these fees will increase based on inflation, ensuring that tow-truck operators are not left out of pocket.
Transport Minister Simeon Brown said “ensuring we have a parking and towing system that promotes greater compliance and enables towing operators to cover their costs will create a more efficient transport system that enables Kiwis to visit the places they want to go.”
Brown also highlighted the outdated nature of current parking infringement fees, which have not been adjusted in two decades. “For example, in Auckland, this has meant that paying a parking ticket is sometimes cheaper than paying for parking,” he explained. “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 Ministry of Transport will assist local government and the towage and storage sector in implementing these fee increases by 1 October.
