Frequently asked questions

Where can I pay my parking ticket(s)?

Parking tickets can be paid;

Can I make payment of my parking ticket directly into the Council's bank account or online?

You can do this by depositing the required fee into the following Bank of New Zealand account.  Please note that we can not accept part payments.

Bank of New Zealand
Christchurch City Council
Bank account number: 02 0800 0044765 00

You can also make payment using online banking. You need to put the ticket number and vehicle registration number in the reference box at the time of the deposit. If you are unable to put both of the reference numbers in the relevant field please send a fax (03) 941 8788 or email (as below) outlining the tickets that you are making payment for. Council does accept credit card payment by phone on (03) 941 8999 and at the Service Centres or the Civic Offices.

Can my ticket be waived?

If you explain the circumstances in writing, the Inspections and Enforcement Unit will consider it and then advise you of the outcome.

I have a mobility permit and have received a ticket, what can I do?

If you explain the circumstances in writing they will be considered by the Inspections & Enforcement Unit who will let you know the result.

Write to:

How much does it cost to park at a parking meter on the street?

All meters on the street are $3.10 per hour. However, you must observe the time limit on the meter. The hours of operation are on each meter.

What parking concesssions does my mobility permit entitle me to?

Mobility parking time limits and meters - concessions

• P30 - permitted to park an additional 30 minutes
• P60 - permitted to park an additional 60 minutes
• There are no concessions for restrictions under 30 minutes, eg, P5, P10, P15
• There are no concessions for restrictions over 60 minutes, eg, P120, P180 the limits

Meters

• Concessions are only available for 60 minute meters and you must make an initial payment.
• For a P60 meter you are allowed to park up to 120 minutes.

Christchurch City Council honours oversees mobility parking permits. If touring you need to check with local councils as to their specific concessions.

What are the payment options with the parking meters?

Coins as before, credit card (Visa, Mastercard and Amex) and mobile phone text (both Vodafone and Telecom). A 50 cent transaction fee applies to payments made by credit card or text.

Can the receipt be used as a GST receipt or proof of a businesses expense?

I have had my car towed away - what can I do?

The Police hold a record of every vehicle that is towed by Council, including those from bus lanes, and they will be able to confirm whether your vehicle has been removed. Council uses Parks Towing, please phone (03) 366 7615 to arrange recovery. The Council does not clamp vehicles.

If I re-register my car straight away after I received a parking ticket will the fine be waived?

There are a number of conditions that must be met before consideration will be given for the ticket to be waived:

1. The period of expiry of the licence label displayed at the time an infringement notice was issued is less than one calendar month.
2. A new licence label was obtained within two working days of the notice being issued.
3. This was your first infringement notice for this, or similar type, of offence, or the first offence notice issued to the vehicle while in your ownership.

All motor vehicles on the road must display a current annual licence label. This includes vehicles that are not running.

Hours of enforcement - 24 hours per day

Infringement fee - $200

What are the white lines marking parking spaces on the road?

The white lines that are painted on the road to indicate the extent of the parking space are called parking ticks or hockey sticks.

White individually marked parking spaces are marked to indicate angled parking or where parallel or angled metered or coupon parking apply. Individually marked parking spaces may also be marked on arterial roads or on roads within shopping centres where time limits apply.

As a matter of practice driveways are not to be individually marked with parking limit lines either side. In certain areas of the city where parking limit lines have been painted in the past to define driveways, consideration should be given to allow them to wear out and not be repainted.

Can I have no stopping lines installed at my driveway as people park too close / over my driveway?

No. Stopping lines (broken yellow lines) are not installed in this situation. Legally, vehicles cannot park within one metre of the usable driveway. If vehicles are encroaching on this measurement it is a parking enforcement matter and needs to be referred to the Enforcement Team.

Parking limit lines are NOT marked on roads to stop vehicles from parking over or near driveways or vehicle entrances. All road markings on Council controlled roads can only be installed under the authority given by a duly authorised Council Officer. Any limit lines installed in the past to define driveways should be allowed to wear out and shall not be repainted. 

Which car parks offer one hour free parking?

• Lichfield Street car park (currently closed)
• The Crossing car park (currently closed - entrance on Lichfield Street just after the Bus Exchange)
• Manchester Street car park (currently closed).

Manchester Street car park is also free all day Sunday (currently closed).

Are there any free parking areas in the city other than the free parking in the Council car parking buildings?

What are the hours you need to put money in the parking meters?

It is recommended when parking at a meter that you check the operating hours/days and time limits that are displayed on each meter.

Monday - Thursday - 9am - 5pm
Friday - 9am - 8.30pm
Saturday - (a) 9am - 1pm Central City core area
              - (b) 9am - either 5pm or 6pm in the areas around Christchurch Hospital, the Arts Centre and the Casino
Sunday - As per Saturday (b)

Public holidays are free.

Residents parking

No new residents parking permits are currently being issued.

You can apply to have a residents parking area established on the road outside or adjacent to your home if you do not have parking facilities on the property where you live.

To apply for a residents parking area, you will need to write a letter containing the following:

• Your name
• Address of the property
• Reason for your request.

Send letters to:

Christchurch City Council
Transport & Greenspace Unit
Streets Network Operations Team
PO Box 237
Christchurch 8140

The permit cost (and annual renewal fee) is $53 (non-transferable and non-refundable).

If you are an existing permit holder, you will be sent a letter advising the renewal near the end of June.

If you require a temporary 'no stopping' area, apply in person at the Inspections & Enforcement Unit, 53 Hereford Street or phone (03) 941 8442 .

To report a non-authorised vehicle parked on a residents parking area, please call the Customer Call Centre on, phone (03) 941 8999 .

Businesses do not qualify for a permanent parking area on a street.