Motorists are being urged to be courteous when parking their vehicles.

Wairoa District Council Chief Executive Matt Lawson said the Council is receiving complaints about cars parked illegally on footpaths, in disabled parking spaces without a valid disabled sticker, on broken yellow lines, and across private driveways.

“Of particular concern is the use of disabled carparks by people who have no disability. These carparks are strategically placed to ensure people with qualifying disabilities are able to park where they can readily access essential services and facilities. It is not fair for anyone to take that away from people with disabilities. There is a $750 fine for parking in a disabled car park without an approved mobility parking permit. As a community, we need to look after people who are disabled, and the Council will be fining drivers who park illegally in disabled parking spaces. Please leave these spaces available for those people who really need them.

“We are asking our community to please be respectful and considerate of where they park. We have issued tickets for parking infringements and will continue to do so if necessary.

“Please do not park on footpaths as this can block access for pedestrians and cause serious safety issues, particularly for the elderly and children. Please do not park across driveways or on broken yellow lines.

“Traditionally, in Wairoa, we haven’t needed to dedicate resources to parking enforcement, and our preference is to rely on people to do the right thing and consider the needs of others. However, if illegal parking continues, we will have no choice but to take action.”

18 November 2025

Back to COVID-19