Why is the Parking Control Bylaw being reviewed and consulted on?

    There are a number of amendments proposed to the Parking Control Bylaw. 

    1. With the city centre streets upgrades nearing completion, Council needs to amend the Bylaw to map out the parking for Tay, Dee, Esk and Don Streets. The layout of these streets will have changed from before the development commenced, so these maps need to reflect the new design.
    2.  Forth Street metered parking - During the 2021 Bylaw review, it was intended to add metered parking to the section of Forth Street, between Nith Street and Clyde Street.  The proposed amendments to the 2022 draft of the Bylaw are simply following through on this original intent. This area of Forth Street is considered important with the city centre development due to be completed shortly and also to allow easier access to organisations such as Age Concern.
    3. Bus Stops - Council seeks to add information on Bus Stops to be more explicit on the rules pertaining to them. 
    4. There are a number of other minor amendments such as including definitions for "No Stopping Lines" and "Traffic Control Devices," removing any reference to the old coin operated meters.

    Why do you need to introduce the clause about Bus Stops?

    Waka Kotahi (NZTA) have formal definitions what constitutes a bus stop. This information can be difficult for some to find, so Council wants to introduce this to the Bylaw to make it easier for the community to see. Most people easily understand bus stops that have painted lines to show where they can and cannot park. For some outlying areas, there is only the bus stop signpost by the footpath. There are some people who do not appreciate that the bus stop extends 6 metres in front and behind the signpost.

    Why are you proposing to introduce metered parking on the section of Forth Street between Nith and Clyde Street?

    This area of Forth Street is considered important for the city centre, and also allows close access to organisations and nearby businesses.

    Are you proposing to install meters on all of Forth Street?

    No - only the section between of Forth Street between Clyde Street and Nith Street. At this time, there is no intent to add metered parking in other sections of Forth Street, East of Nith Street (behind Pak n Save, SIT etc).  

    You are not proposing to change the time-restricted parking outside the hospital, yet you are consulting on it. Why?

    This is an area of the city where Council does receive feedback. Council Officers have reviewed this parking area and think that the P120 (two hours) still provides the best balance between allowing people to attend the hospital for appointments / visits whilst, on balance, it still requires cars to move after two hours, allowing others to attend their appointments. 

    It is proposed to keep this time-restricted parking as it is. However, given this area has been topical recently, it is proposed to consult with the community on this area specifically, to gauge what they think is the best option for parking.

    Will this Bylaw update cost me more money as a ratepayer?

    No. Existing systems will remain and nothing will materially change with this expenditure. The Council already has the parking meters that will be installed on Forth Street, if the proposed amendment is resolved by Council.  

    How do I make a submission?

    The easiest way is to use the survey link that can be found at letstalk.icc.govt.nz/parking-control-bylaw-2022. Alternatively, you can mail in a submission form or drop one off to the ICC Civic Administration Building in Esk Street, the Public Library or the Bluff Service Centre. You can also email the Strategy and Policy Team at policy@icc.govt.nz

    Post:       Submission – Parking Control Bylaw                              

                    Invercargill City Council

                    Private Bag 90104

                    Invercargill 9840

    Can I talk to the Mayor and Councillors about this proposal?

    Hearings are currently set down for 9 August 2022. While the opportunity to speak to your submission as part of this process is not legally required, Councillors are interested in hearing from you, if you would like to share your views orally.