"Free Parking"

Geoff from Rototuna North

“Free Parking”
There is much confusion over the $26 for “Free Parking” the $26 is an average for residential ratepayers across the whole of Hamilton. It will not be a flat rate of $26.
The cost of the “Free Parking” will be an addition (increase) to Access Hamilton part of the Rates demand. The confusion arises with the $26 for the average property, which is calculated on the capital value of the property. The current calculation factor is 0.00019173. That calculation factor will change to establish the $26 average across the whole of Hamilton; it will be different for each property.
To use the $26 as an example, current Access Hamilton rate is $92.99 - the proposed (average) residential targeted rate for free parking of $26.00. That is a 21.85% increase to $118.99. ($23.99 more than the average $95)- And it will be even more, calculated on capital value. Just the $26 the property’s next year’s overall rate rise will be 5.56% but it will be more. What prevents Council in future from increasing the rate factor (i.e. the current 0.00019173), the ratepayer wouldn’t know and Council would gain more revenue. (to waste)
The ‘rich pricks’ in the Northern suburbs will pay more as their capital value is high.
The whole issue of “Free Parking” strikes at the heart of democracy. Democracy equals freedom. Freedom is the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants. ‘We do have some freedom of choice’
With choice there are consequences. Choice is at the heart of those who choose to shop in the central city, the consequences are the availability and cost to park. That is the individual’s choice.
Where is the choice for those who choose (or unable or do not have a car) not to shop in the CBD
"There's been talk about free parking for years. Let's give it a go and see if it works,” - Geoff Taylor.
What if it doesn’t work will Council (or Taylor) refund our money?
It hasn’t worked in Lower Hutt, Porirua, New Plymouth or Rotorua.
Council is also to replace parking meters and pay and display machines with new parking technology between 2015 and 2017 and introduce sensors in parking bays, giving motorists’ information on the availability of parks in the central city. A mobile app to notify motorists of available parking spaces.
Isn’t using a mobile whilst driving illegal?
Submissions close Sunday 7 May 2017 online at
Have Your Say - Hamilton City Council - Citizen Space or
haveyoursay.hamilton.govt.nz... or
A paper copy of the form from any Hamilton City Libraries branch or the ground floor reception at Council’s Municipal Building in Garden Place.