$70 Parking Ticket for 4 Minutes: Auckland Woman’s Footpath Dispute

Auckland Residents Face Unexpected Parking Fines – Even in Their Own Driveways

Auckland Transport (AT) is facing criticism after residents reported receiving parking fines for vehicles parked, in some cases, partially within their own driveways. The issue has sparked outrage among homeowners who feel they are being unfairly targeted for minor infringements, with some describing the enforcement as a “moneygrab.”

The controversy came to light after Grey Lynn resident Jennifer Austin-Mannes received a $70 fine for parking within her driveway and shared her experience on a local Facebook page. She quickly discovered she wasn’t alone, with numerous others reporting similar incidents. “There were a few people concerned that if cars blocked the footpath, getting prams through or access through would be difficult and I agree. If that’s the case they should be fined. But if it’s in the area that is pretty much the width of a berm and doesn’t block anything, then I think it’s really unreasonable to fine residents or visitors,” Austin-Mannes said.

According to AT’s current rules, a vehicle is in violation if it is parked within one metre of either side of a driveway or if any part of the vehicle extends beyond the property line. This has led to situations where vehicles are ticketed even when they aren’t obstructing pedestrian access.

The fines are not limited to driveway parking. Recent reports indicate a case where an Auckland man, Paul Cheater, received a $70 ticket after his car was parked on the driveway for just four minutes while he quickly grabbed a bite to eat. His wife, Taniamarie Gatley, expressed disbelief at the swiftness of the fine and the amount charged. “He’s out on the road quite a bit so popped in to have a quick bite of lunch and he was literally here maybe 10 minutes,” Gatley said. “He came outside, and he comes tearing back in and says, ‘I just got a $70 parking ticket’.” The ticket, issued between 12:14pm and 12:18pm, cited parking on a footpath or cycle path, despite the vehicle being positioned outside their garage.

AT defends its enforcement, stating that parking on footpaths or cycle paths can force pedestrians, including those using wheelchairs or strollers, to navigate into traffic, creating a safety hazard. An AT spokesperson said the photo “clearly shows” the car parked on a footpath, adding, “People using wheelchairs or strollers often need the full path, and stepping on to the road to get around a car is unsafe.” They maintain that even having “two wheels up is too much.”

Gatley questioned the practicality of the rules, asking, “Where can you park? If you can’t park outside your house, where can you park?” She described the $70 fine as “ridiculous” and a disproportionate penalty for such a short period of time.

AT asserts that the revenue generated from these fines is allocated to Auckland Council to fund essential services such as libraries, the zoo, and improvements to roads and public transportation. However, the strict enforcement has raised concerns about whether the primary motivation is revenue generation rather than public safety.

This situation echoes broader frustrations with parking enforcement in Auckland. Last year, shoppers nationwide voiced their concerns over a controversial parking rule at supermarkets that penalized customers for visiting multiple stores, with fines reaching up to $85. The debate centered on whether shoppers should be penalized for making multiple stops, such as grabbing a coffee after grocery shopping.