Parking permits approved, enforcement from October
NEW parking permits, including those for small passenger vehicle services, will come into effect from October 1 in the Queenstown Lakes District.
The traffic and parking subcommittee yesterday approved the proposed fees for the four types of permits, subject to public consultation.
Policy and programme performance manager Polly Lambert’s report proposed a small passenger service vehicle permit would cost $500 a year and be limited to 150.
Permits issued to vehicles would require a NZ Transport Agency Pclass endorsed driver at all times; invehicle surveillance; and ‘‘visible information on complaints procedures’’.
The permit would be forfeited on a ‘‘single, verifiable breach of requirements’’.
Consultant Jendi Paterson told the subcommittee NZTA already required small passenger service vehicles operating from ranks in Queenstown to have a camera fitted, and working.
However, the new framework would, for the first time, enable the council to have oversight at ranks and ensure all operators were complying with regulations and criteria.
Queenstown Taxis managing director Grant Scannell told the subcommittee he supported the initiative and said stands in the Queenstown CBD were ‘‘getting out of control’’.
‘‘It’s a freeforall.
‘‘With the regulation side of things not being managed properly from NZTA, nobody’s watching what’s going on.
‘‘It’s a [step] in the right direction and we’re fully behind it.’’
The subcommittee proposed the ‘‘annual community’’ permit, to support provision and access to community services for voluntary, community and nonprofit organisations, would cost $25 per annum and a ‘‘temporary’’ permit would be issued for up to six weeks and cost $20 per day or $100 per week (up to seven days).
The ‘‘75plus’’ permit, would cost $5 every three years and may be renewed.
The new permits would apply from July 1.
A transition period would be in place until September 30, after which enforcement would begin.