Recommencement of paid parking

Following requests from businesses to address parking issues, Christchurch City Council will recommence paid parking within the central city area from Monday 4 July 2011.

Paid parking will recommence in the following locations:

• Public Hospital on site Pay & Display meters
• Public Hospital car park building (this building is currently closed for repairs. Fees will recommence once the building has re-opened.)
• Rolleston Ave Pay & Display car park and permanent monthly parks
• All Pay & Display parking meters outside the Red Zone.

All metered parking within the red zone and any cordoned areas are excluded from paid parking.

For one week prior to 4 July 2011 parking officers will leave flyers under windscreens of vehicles parked in the metered areas to help the transition back to paid parking. The flyers will inform drivers that the enforcement of the meters will recommence on 4 July 2011.

Paul Burden, Road Corridor Operations Manager explains why paid parking in the central city is vital to the success of local businesses trying to re-establish themselves.

“The decision to recommence metered parking across Christchurch has been made to ensure fair use of short term parking following requests from local businesses who have been struggling with parking issues.

“These businesses are trying to get back up and running again and they’re finding it difficult to do so with vehicles occupying short term parking spaces all day long. Ensuring customers can find available parking in close proximity is vital for their success.

“The recommencement of meters will increase parking turnover and availability of car parking spaces in the central city vicinity.

The draft Annual Plan proposes an increase in parking charges from 1 July 2011. If adopted, on-street/metered fees will increase from $3.00 to $3.10 per hour and off-street/buildings fees will increase from $1.25 to $1.30 per hour. Council will adopt a final Annual Plan on Thursday 30 June 2011.