Free parking - QLDC staffer enjoys scenic CBD visit

A Crux reader is asking why a Queenstown Lakes District Council worker appeared to be able to park for most of the day in a prime lakefront pay and display car park with no payment and four hours over the time limit with no penalty.

Louise Kiely took photos of the vehicle and contacted Crux saying she found the council worker's behaviour, and the lack of any payment or penalty "arrogant and disgusting".

"The council worker arrived at 9.47am this morning (October 29) got out his small backpack and lunch from the back seat and then wandered to the lake to take some scenic photos. No parking ticket was purchased or fee paid. The car stayed there until 3.20 pm with no penalty."

The QLDC branded ute left the waterfront car park shortly after 3.20pm - seemingly without having paid and receiving no ticket (Image: Supplied).

"Having put in several submissions regarding parking I find this arrogant and disgusting. It is extremely difficult for businesses in town with the lack of parking."

Ms Kiely told Crux she is aware of multiple council funded car parks in both Church Street and Man Street full of QLDC vehicles that often go unused for days. She thinks today's QLDC driver headed for the council's Shotover Street offices further along the waterfront.

Do the rules not apply to QLDC? No payment, no ticket and 5.5 hours in a prime lakefront spot (Image: Supplied).

Last year Crux discovered that eighteen spaces at the Man Street car park in Queenstown’s CBD are reserved for council vehicles - but the council refused to reveal exactly how much it costs ratepayers.

However market rates supplied to Crux indicate it could be as much as $77,544 a year just for that location.

Crux has approached the QLDC for comment, including what the driver's tasks were for the day that required casual CBD parking and a 9.47am to 3.20pm stay.

Main image (Supplied): The QLDC vehicle arrived at the park at 9.47am on Tuesday, October 29, 2024.