Around 140 parking related fines are issued per day in Tauranga – mainly due to “lack of knowledge” about parking rules, according to Tauranga City Council.

The $9300 in fines issued per day is not directly paid to the council however, says Tauranga City Council regulation monitoring team leader Stuart Goodman.

This is because the council collects about “50 per cent” of infringement fees issued.

An exact number on daily council revenue from parking tickets cannot be given, according to the spokesperson, as fines are often paid to council and through the courts “many months” after they are issued.

“The majority of disputes that we receive are due to the lack of knowledge about the parking rules.

“Some disputes claim extenuating circumstances, but each dispute is considered on a case-by-case basis. The most common are those failing to pay for parking or parking over the time limit,” says Stuart.

“A less common offence our officers issue infringements for is for incorrect kerb parking.”

The council spokesperson notes a vehicle must park on the left-hand side of the road parallel with the direction of the roadway.

Tauranga City Council has also received reports some drivers have been parking in temporary bus stops along Cameron Road, while roadworks are underway, resulting in buses having to let passengers on and off in “live traffic lanes”.

“This is not safe for bus users, and we ask that drivers please show consideration and park away from these areas.

“Drivers cannot drive, park or stop on the footpath, shared path or two-way cycleway on Cameron Road.

“To help avoid getting a parking ticket, the public can look out for parking signs. All paid parking and time restrictions are signposted.”