'Inconsiderate parking' fine jumps to $100

The price for breaking parking rules rises steeply today - but Southern Lakes drivers are not being targeted.

Central government at the end of August announced inflation-based increases for parking tickets that come into effect today.

The Queenstown Lakes District Council has flagged the changes to local motorists, saying on average fines for overstaying and inconsiderate parking will rise by approximately 70 percent.

Owners of 'inconsiderately parked' vehicles can now expect a $100 fine, while fines for parking longer than allowed for will range from $20 to $97.

However, the largest jump is for the misuse of parking spaces reserved for use by people with disabilities.

The fine for parking in such a space without a valid permit is now $750, up from $150.

The Ministry of Transport says it is part of a nationwide change to make fines a better deterrent.

Until this year, most parking fines were set in 2004.

In June, Crux reported the council dished out more than $1.35 million in parking fines in the first four months of this year, on top of $2.7 million in fines in 2023.

A full list of the new parking fines can be found on the council's website.