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680 days ago

Longer limits, Govt exemptions cause drop in council parking revenue

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

Parking infringements have significantly decreased thanks to longer parking in central Ashburton.

The central section of the West St car park, encompassing 83 parking spaces, was extended from 120 to 180 minutes at the end of February.

The Ashburton District Council reviewed the time-restricted parking as part of the $15m revitalisation of the CBD.

The two end sections of the car park, 142 spaces, are free for all day parking.

Council strategy and compliance group manager Jane Donaldson said parking officers have received some positive verbal feedback when out on patrol.

Before the changes the council’s data showed there was high demand for the all day parking, with 97% peak occupancy, while the central spaces had a peak occupancy of about 60 per cent.

The change has seen a significant reduction in parking infringements.

“A small number of tickets for overstaying are issued each week, approximately three to four, but on the whole, shoppers welcome the additional allowance to get back to their cars on time.

“Previously, two to three tickets a day were issued for overstaying in this area.”

Up until March 31, the council has received only $132,000 from parking in the finical year which is $157,879 off the budgeted intake for the full year of $290,777.

The variance has been put down to the removal of the old coin operated stand-alone parking meters that were removed to make way for the yet to be installed parking sensors.

The council’s financial report also states that parking infringement income was affected by the Government’s introduction of a grace period for warrants of fitness and vehicle registration.

The town’s lone pay and display unit serving the Cass St car park is generating some parking revenue.

The council has also introduced an over 80s parking permit in April that allows a permit holder to park for twice the allotted time in any over 30 minute parks.

Donaldson said the council has so far issued 42 of the permits.

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1 day ago

Bob Francis Wins Senior New Zealander Of The Year

Ngaio Marsh Retirement Village

Seven-term Mayor of Masterton, Bob Francis CNZM QSO MBE JP, has been named the 2024 Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealander of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau.

Affectionately dubbed ‘Mr Wairarapa’, Bob has served his community in multiple areas, including health services, commercial development, the arts, aviation, homelessness, conservation and sports.

Bob’s award signifies the sixth time Ryman Healthcare has supported this category of the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards, which provides a fantastic opportunity to celebrate Kiwi seniors who continue to make positive contributions towards the future of Aotearoa.

Click read more for the full article.

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3 days ago

Easter Streaming 2024

The Team from NZ Compare

Dive into Easter streaming! Explore our top picks for movies and TV shows to enjoy this long weekend!

Plus, discover how to watch them for FREE. Don't miss out – COMPARE broadband plans with Broadband Compare and start saving today!

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4 days ago

Say goodbye to tyre waste

Tyrewise

About 40% of the 6.5 million tyres Kiwis use every year are recycled, repurposed, or used as tyre-derived fuel. But the rest end up in landfills, stockpiled or dumped.

The good news is now there’s an easy solution to all that tyre waste. It’s called Tyrewise and is New Zealand’s first national tyre recycling scheme.

Tyrewise ensures that tyres in Aotearoa New Zealand are recycled or repurposed properly, saving millions from going to the landfill.

Find out more about the scheme online.
Find out more

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