Parking meters
The Transport Act 1962 specifies parking offences that incur a penalty, and the maximum fees councils can charge drivers.
The following information comes from Section 42A, Part 1 of the Transport Act 1962. Fines apply to Wellington City only.
Parking offences involving parking on a road in breach of a local authority bylaw, for longer than the time fixed by a meter, incur different fees according to how long you overstay the allowed time:
- up to 30 minutes - $12
- 30 minutes to one hour - $15
- one to two hours - $21
- two to four hours - $30
- four to six hours - $42
- more than six hours - $57.
Parking offences incurring a $60 fine:
- parking on or within six metres of an intersection
- parking on or near a pedestrian crossing
- parking on a broken yellow line
- double parking
- inconsiderate parking
- parking on a clearway
- parking on a bus-only lane.
All other parking offences under the Act incur a $40 fine, including parking on footpaths.
Payment Options
There are several ways to pay your parking ticket.
Towage
Any towage fees are additional to the above fines.
More Information
Wellington Parking and Infringement Services
PO Box 24344
Manners Street
Wellington 6142
Phone: (04) 910 3444
Unpaid Tickets
Parking tickets request payment within 28 days. After that period the Council sends a reminder notice to the registered owner of the vehicle.
If the owner then fails to take action, the Council may refer the matter to the courts. Any additional costs will be added to the ticket cost and the vehicle may be clamped, or goods seized.
If the owner chooses to contest the ticket there are two options:
- Contest the ticket by sending a written explanation of any relevant circumstances they would like considered, before the due date,
- Apply in writing, before the due date, to have the matter heard in court. (It's a good idea to seek legal advice beforehand.)
Financial Hardship
If you are unable to pay your ticket in full by the due date, call Wellington Parking and Infringement Services immediately.
Driver / Owner Responsibility
Drivers are responsible for any fines they incur, whether they are driving their own car or someone else’s. If you receive a ticket for a traffic offence someone else committed while using your car, the Council can redirect the ticket to them if you provide - in writing - the name and address of the driver, and the number on the parking ticket.
Sold Vehicles
If you have sold a vehicle and receive a parking ticket incurred by the new owner, you need to let the Council know the name and address of the person or business you sold the vehicle to, so they can redirect the ticket to them.
Stolen Vehicles
If you receive a ticket for an infringement that happened when your vehicle was reported stolen, you need to give the Council details of the theft - in writing - and attach a copy of the police report of the incident.
Related Links
- Traffic - Wellington Consolidated Bylaw
- Transport Rules - Ministry of Transport website
- Location of Court Houses - Ministry of Justice website
Department Details:
Wellington Parking & Infringement Services [External Contractor]
