CBD retailer: QLDC using parking tickets as 'cash machine'

A retailer in the Queenstown CBD is recommending ticket-issuing officers undergo more training and education after receiving numerous incorrect fines, and hearing many complaints from his customers. 

In the four instances, Asian Mart Queenstown owner Tao Su has been issued parking fines by Queenstown Lakes District Council for using the loading zone outside his Shotover Street shop, when he was within the law.

He's received a successful waiver from the council each time he's applied, but thinks there's a larger issue at play.

"Using cameras to issue tickets is a controversial topic, and in my opinion, the council treats it as a cash machine rather than an opportunity to educate road users," Mr Su says. 

"We have been using the loading zones very carefully and always obey the rules, yet we still receive tickets...each time (we've received one) the council has waived them with a warning. "

Mr Su wanted to comment publicly after reading on Crux that $1.35million worth of fines have been collected in the first four months of the year.

He thinks that the council contractors, Cougar Security, who run the CCTV infringement system, should be getting more training on when they should be issuing tickets.

Mr Su is one of a number of business owners and residents who have spoken out about receiving excessive or unjustified QLDC parking fines in recent weeks.