Parking puzzles

Parking is free in Nelson City until September 30, except for central Wakatu square which remains all-day paid parking. No payment is required for any other metered parking spaces. However, check how long you can stay in the parking space, because time varies in different parts of the city.

It is one hour in Trafalgar St, two hours in most other inner city streets, and three hours in the parking squares. You will still get a ticket for exceeding the time limit, ranging from $12 to $57. Parking wardens will check vehicles for expired warrants or registration ($200 each), safety issues or illegal parking.

A visitor from overseas was astonished to learn, after contacting CAB, that in New Zealand it is illegal to park ‘‘facing the other way’’, even in a legal parking space, and they would need to pay the fine.

Areas with blue and white ‘‘time limit’’ sign restrictions (P10, P30, P120) are monitored by wardens in both Nelson and Tasman Districts. These generally apply from 8am to 6pm, seven days a week, excluding public holidays. Recently a young client called CAB for help because he had received a reminder notice about a parking fine for a car he had sold to a mate some months ago.

He was not aware that both seller and buyer must complete the change of ownership form, (available at Post Shops) within seven days of the sale, or ownership records will not be updated. He had trusted his friend to do the paperwork. We explained he could make a Statutory Declaration to the council, giving contact details of the new owner, so they could send the notice to the correct person.

We also suggested he immediately complete his part of the form, and make sure his mate filled his portion to avoid future issues.

We are sometimes asked about Mobility Parking Permits. These are used in designated parks which are bigger than normal and close to venues. Once you have been assessed by a doctor, you can apply on-line, by post or in person. (mobilityparking.org.nz / Nelson 03 548 4479). There are different costs, depending on whether the disability is long- or short-term.

Cards must be clearly displayed in all spaces, and can be used in public and private car parks ( hospitals, malls and supermarkets).

If used in an ordinary parking space, the permit doubles the P30 and P60 limits only in Nelson, but gives 50 per cent more time in all spaces in Tasman. Remember, parking without a card in a mobility park can cost you $150 anywhere.

To find out about your rights and responsibilities about absolutely anything contact: CAB Nelson Tasman, 9 Paru Paru Rd, Phone 548 2117, email cab.nelson@xtra.co.nz, or visit cab.org.nz.