In the 15 months since paid parking was introduced in Porirua’s city centre, over 40% of issued parking tickets remain unpaid, amounting to nearly $150,000 in fines. This figure was revealed through data obtained by The Post, showing that out of 9,206 tickets issued since March 2023, 4,018 remain unsettled.
The council initially launched paid parking in Cobham Court, Hagley Street, and Lydney Place in January 2022. However, due to rising living costs and negative social media feedback, the initiative was paused for a year. It resumed in March 2023 with adjustments, including the introduction of 30-minute (P30) parking spots and charges ranging from $1-$2 per hour to $10 per day on weekdays between 8 am and 5 pm.
The council projected a $450,000 surplus from paid parking, expecting $870,000 in revenue against a $420,000 operational cost. This includes $640,000 from parking meters and $230,000 from fines.
Juan Qu, the council’s monitoring and compliance manager, explained the procedure for unpaid fines. After 28 days, a reminder letter is sent, providing another 28 days before the matter is escalated to the courts.
Mayor Anita Baker acknowledged the high proportion of unpaid tickets but lacked comparative figures from other councils. She urged residents to settle their fines promptly to avoid additional complications and court involvement. “It’s actually cheaper to just pay,” she noted, emphasising that unresolved fines leave the council’s hands once forwarded to the courts.
Local businesses have consistently opposed paid parking, citing it as a deterrent to customers and an obstacle to hiring staff. Some businesses have taken measures to support their employees, such as covering parking costs, to alleviate these issues.