​Parking education to return ahead of future enforcement

Central Otago District Council is once again putting the spotlight on parking behaviour as we reactivate a community education campaign in preparation for parking enforcement to begin late July.

This initiative builds on work in early 2023, when Council consulted on changes to its 2020 Roading Bylaw to allow for better parking management and align with the Land Transport Act.

"We're picking up where we left off," CODC Regulatory Services Manager Lee Webster said. "Our focus is still on education for now - talking to drivers, leaving friendly reminders on vehicles and encouraging people to be more mindful of where and how they park."

Drivers may receive a friendly reminder if they are parked:

• On yellow lines
• On or blocking a footpath
• Over the time limit in a time-restricted parking space
• In a mobility space without displaying the required permit

"Parking is free across Central Otago, but that doesn't mean it's a free-for-all," Mr Webster explains. "There are rules in place to make sure parking is fair and safe for everyone - particularly in our busier town centres like Cromwell and Alexandra."

Council continues to receive complaints from the public about unsafe or inconsiderate parking. As a result, it is signalling a move toward active enforcement, including issuing infringement notices.

Once enforcement begins, parking infringements will range from $20 to $750, depending on the offence.

“Our aim is to keep our streets safe and accessible. We want to ensure roads remain clear, mobility spaces are available for those who need them, and to promote responsible parking practices,” Mr Webster said.

Drivers are encouraged to take a moment before parking to check the signage and be mindful of parking correctly.

"We're giving people every opportunity to adjust their habits before infringements begin," Mr Webster adds. “If everyone does their part, drivers won’t ever need to see a ticket on their windscreen.”

As we start parking education, with a move toward enforcement, we want to make sure our time-restricted parking areas are in the right places and identify any that may no longer be fit for purpose. Feedback from businesses and the community will help shape any future updates to ensure parking supports the needs of our communities and town centres.

Share your thoughts in our parking survey - open from 23 June 2025 at Let's talk about parking | Let’s Talk Central Otago