Feeling the pain of parking in Queenstown stand

I WAS driving through Queenstown in December and pulled into an empty taxi stand to drop off my parents and daughter. I then drove to a car park and we spent a few hours in town.

Last week, I received an infringement notice from the Queenstown Lakes District Council for ‘‘parking’’ in a prohibited area. CCTV footage identified my stopping, not getting out of the car, and the length of time.

The offence description clearly states ‘‘parked’’ and this fee has not been waived. The QLDC obviously considers ‘‘stopping’’ in a prohibited area for 30 seconds and ‘‘parking’’ in a prohibited area to be the same thing.

Otago drivers, be warned. Pulling into an empty taxi stand in Queenstown to drop off passengers will cost you about $1.30 per second! It’s a mistake I will not make again.

M. McDonald

Dunedin

[QLDC media and channels adviser Jack Barlow replies:

‘‘It is well known that parking in Queenstown comes under continual pressure. To help with this, the council utilises a traffic and parking bylaw in conjunction with the Land Transport Act to ensure that transport systems in the district operate as smoothly and effectively as possible.

‘‘Taxi parks play an important role in enabling people to get in and out of town. These spaces are clearly signposted. Using them for any reason is an offence and anyone doing so faces the possibility of receiving an infringement notice.

‘‘However, anyone who feels they have been unfairly ticketed is welcome to file a parking ticket waiver request with QLDC.’’]

Radich views

JULES Radich’s article (Opinion, 26.1.21) is constructive and well thought out. Worthy of serious consideration as to implementation. I hope the mayor and council take note.

Jules lost the battle for the St Clair groynes (ODT, 29.7.20), which was another of his excellent ideas. This was to prevent erosion of sand, and sand dunes. Is noone at DCC listening to good practical ideas?

Pamela Ritchie

Caversham