Wellington city councillors are supporting resident parking charges being bumped up in the city.
Parking on Wellington's inner city streets is likely to become a lot more expensive for residents. Photo: 123rf.com
Councillors today backed recommendations to raise charges, including for parking, swimming pools and sports fields, as part of the annual plan.
The proposed increase for residents' parking would take a permit from $126.50 to $195 a year.
Photo: Google Maps
Councillor Brian Dawson said parking in the city was far too cheap and needed to rise.
"We might as well just give it away quite frankly - and that is not going to discourage anyone from having one, two, or five cars parked on the street if they can get it that cheap."
"Let's do something about this ASAP please," he said.
Another councillor, Iona Pannett, agreed residents' parking was ridiculously cheap compared with coupon parking.
"We are essentially giving privilege to people who happen to be able to live in the inner city - there is an inequality here which is problematic," she said.
"I'm glad that we've got some extra revenue for parking - but I think we need to go further."
The public would now be consulted about the proposed fee increases.