New nationwide parking infringement and towage fees come into effect

Published on 01 October 2024

The government has introduced new nationwide fees for parking infringements and towing, effective from 1 October.

This is a decision made by the government, not local councils, including Palmerston North City.  

A number of fees that will affect motorists in Palmerston North include:  

• Parking without activating the meter will incur a flat fee of $70 
• Parking in a disability park increases from $150 to $750
• Fees for parking unsafely, such as parking on a broken yellow line, parking in a bus lane or cycle lane or on/within six metres of an intersection increase from $60 to $100.

Most other parking infringements that normally incur a $40 fee increase to $70. This includes parking on footpaths, over a vehicle entrance or a fire hydrant. 

The $200 fee for failing to display a current license label or having an overdue WoF and registration is not changing.  

Palmerston North City Council General Manager Development & Regulatory Kerry-Lee Probert encourages the public to remember that council’s parking officers are not part of this decision-making process.  

“Their role remains focused on maintaining road safety by monitoring car parks, enforcing regulations, and ensuring compliance with the Land Transport Act.” 

The government says the new fees are designed to stop people from misusing parking spaces, especially those reserved for disabled people who need them for everyday activities. The fees also make sure tow-truck operators are paid fairly for their services. The government says this is the first increase in over 20 years, and the fees have been adjusted to reflect inflation. 

Motorists will have 28 days (about 4 weeks) from when the parking ticket is issued to file an appeal, which can be done through our website. They will also have 28 days (about 4 weeks) to pay for their ticket. You can pay online, by internet banking or at our Customer Service Centre: Pay a parking ticket. 

You can report dangerous or illegal parking through the online form on our website, or the Snap Send Solve app.

Government update: Parking penalties