Government raises fine for misusing mobility parking spaces

Meet Cam! Cam uses a mobility parking permit (which he applied and paid for) because he needs enough room to get his wheelchair in and out of his van.

On Tuesday, the Government raised the fine for misusing these parking spaces from $150 to $750. Cam says it’s a good move “because if we have rules, we should enforce them”, but he thinks people should do the right thing regardless.

“If someone has taken one of those parks, it means I have to find somewhere else. In my case, I need almost four metres out my left-hand side so I might have to go a long way away.

“It is annoying – sometimes there are other parks not far away but they still choose to take the mobility park.”

Cam lost the use of his legs in a horse-riding accident in 2016. The ability to drive into town on his own is an important part of maintaining his independence, and being able to use mobility parks is crucial.

“If you’ve got an appointment or you need the toilet, it can be really frustrating. It’s not just me, there are people with all sorts of mobility issues who need these parks.

“I consider myself lucky. I was 68 when I had my accident. I feel for young people in that situation who have their whole life ahead of them.”

Misusing mobility parks is one of many infringements the Government has increased fines for this week.

Others include:

• Exceeding time limits: Now ranges from $20 to $97.
• Parking on the footpath: Increased from $40 to $70.
• Parking on broken yellow lines: Increased from $60 to $100.

As always, Council’s compliance team are out and about enforcing all parking rules. Please remember they are just doing their jobs.

For more information on parking in the Taupō District and to see the other fine increases, go to www.taupo.govt.nz/parking-fines.