Longer limits, Govt exemptions cause drop in council parking revenue
Parking infringements have significantly decreased thanks to longer parking in central Ashburton.
The central section of the West St car park, encompassing 83 parking spaces, was extended from 120 to 180 minutes at the end of February.
The Ashburton District Council reviewed the time-restricted parking as part of the $15m revitalisation of the CBD.
The two end sections of the car park, 142 spaces, are free for all day parking.
Council strategy and compliance group manager Jane Donaldson said parking officers have received some positive verbal feedback when out on patrol.
Before the changes the council’s data showed there was high demand for the all day parking, with 97% peak occupancy, while the central spaces had a peak occupancy of about 60 per cent.
The change has seen a significant reduction in parking infringements.
“A small number of tickets for overstaying are issued each week, approximately three to four, but on the whole, shoppers welcome the additional allowance to get back to their cars on time.
“Previously, two to three tickets a day were issued for overstaying in this area.”
Up until March 31, the council has received only $132,000 from parking in the finical year which is $157,879 off the budgeted intake for the full year of $290,777.
The variance has been put down to the removal of the old coin operated stand-alone parking meters that were removed to make way for the yet to be installed parking sensors.
The council’s financial report also states that parking infringement income was affected by the Government’s introduction of a grace period for warrants of fitness and vehicle registration.
The town’s lone pay and display unit serving the Cass St car park is generating some parking revenue.
The council has also introduced an over 80s parking permit in April that allows a permit holder to park for twice the allotted time in any over 30 minute parks.
Donaldson said the council has so far issued 42 of the permits.
Poll: Have you ever been bullied?
People associate bullying with children in schools, but it can actually stretch beyond childhood to workplaces or neighbourhoods.
This Friday is Pink Shirt Day, which began in Canada in 2007 when two students took a stand against homophobic bullying after a new student was harassed for wearing pink. People across the globe are now encouraged to wear pink on this day to take a stand against bullying and promote inclusivity.
Have you or your whānau ever experienced bullying? Share your thoughts on Pink Shirt Day below.
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.
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81.1% Yes
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18.9% No
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0% Other - I'll share below
Neighbourly Q&A: Renting rights with CAB's Sacha Green
We are continuing our Q&A sessions on Neighbourly. This week we have the amazing Sacha Green from Citizens Advice Bureau New Zealand (CABNZ) who will be answering your questions about your renting rights.
A little bit about Sacha:
She has been working for CABNZ for 10 years and is passionate about empowering people with knowledge of their rights as well as ensuring access to justice.
She helps support the team of over 2,000 trained volunteers who deliver the CAB service in 80 neighbourhoods around Aotearoa by providing advice and support at a national level on a wide range of issues. One of Sacha’s work areas is leading the CAB’s social justice work on housing and tenancy issues.
Whether you're a flatmate, landlord, boarder or flatmate, you can leave a comment below and Sacha will share an answer on Wednesday from 9.30am. You may want to ask about notice periods, bond fulfillment, reasonable rent increases, or even whose responsibility it is to deal with mould in the home.
Join Sacha here on Wednesday at 9.30am. See you then!.
⇩ Share your question below ⇩
Tips for moving to a retirement village with a pet
Moving to a retirement village marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with opportunities waiting to be explored. Naturally, you want to share this journey with your beloved furry companion, and at Ryman, you are welcome to bring your pet along, provided they are suitable for the village environment.
Once your pet is approved for the village, the focus shifts to ensuring a smooth transition for them. Dogs and cats, being creatures of habit, may find relocating stressful. However, with patience and a thoughtful approach, we can mitigate their anxiety and help them settle into their new surroundings seamlessly.
For more tips click read more.
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