General Information

How many parking complaints does Council receive?
In recent years, Council has received the following number of parking-related complaints:

  • 2021: 456
  • 2022: 596
  • 2023: 994
  • 2024: 807
  • 2025: 959

What types of parking offences can result in an infringement?
Infringements may be issued for a range of parking safety offences on public roads and in public spaces. These include:

  • Parking on grass berms
  • Parking on broken yellow lines
  • Obstructing footpaths
  • Obstructing driveways

Infringements can also be issued for vehicles with:

  • An expired Warrant or Certificate of Fitness
  • Expired vehicle licensing

Does Council enforce parking on footpaths and berms?
Yes. Parking on a footpath is an offence under the Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004. In residential zones, parking on a grass berm or verge where it is separated from the road by a kerb or footpath is an offence under the Selwyn District Council Traffic and Parking Bylaw 2009.

Parking is also prohibited where signage or markings indicate no stopping or no parking.

Can I still receive an infringement if my vehicle is under NZ Police 28-day compliance?
Yes. Police and Council operate independently. Any vehicle parked on a public road must display a current WoF/CoF and a current vehicle licence ("rego"). A Police compliance notice does not exempt a vehicle from these requirements.

Mobility Parking

Will misuse of mobility parks be enforced?
Yes. Vehicles parked in a mobility space must display a current New Zealand Mobility Parking Permit. If a valid permit is not correctly displayed, an infringement may be issued.

If you receive an infringement but hold a valid permit, you can contact us using the dispute form.

Do mobility permit holders get extra parking time?
Yes. Mobility Parking Permit holders are allowed double the signposted time. However, any overstay is assessed from the original posted time limit, not the extended allowance.

Infringements, Fines, and Payments

What is the difference between an infringement and a fine?
When an infringement is issued, the monetary penalty is called an infringement fee. If it is not paid by the due date, it may be referred to the Ministry of Justice for enforcement, at which point it becomes a fine.

How long do I have to pay an infringement?
You have 28 days from the date of issue to pay. Instalment payments are not available.

If unpaid, a reminder notice will be sent giving a further 28 days. If it remains unpaid after that, it may be referred to the Ministry of Justice and additional costs may apply.

What happens if an infringement is referred to the Ministry of Justice?
Once referred, Council can no longer accept payment or disputes. The Ministry of Justice takes over enforcement and will add court-related fees.

What happens to the money collected from infringement fees?
Revenue from infringement fees helps cover the costs of delivering the Parking Safety service. This includes investigation, administration, towing fees, and storage.

Any additional revenue may be used to support roading maintenance and improvements, and school road safety initiatives.

Responsibility and Appeals

What if I was not driving the vehicle at the time?
Under New Zealand law, the registered owner is generally responsible for stationary vehicle offences, regardless of who was driving. However, if another person was driving the vehicle at the time, we encourage them to submit a dispute and identify themselves as the driver. Where appropriate, responsibility for the offence may then be transferred to the driver.

If the vehicle was sold, stolen, or in another person’s possession without permission, you can complete a Statutory Declaration to advise us.

How do I dispute an infringement?
You can apply in writing within 28 days of the date of issue. Please include all relevant information and supporting evidence.

What grounds are considered when reviewing a dispute?
All disputes are assessed based on the information provided and the circumstances at the time the infringement was issued.

Drivers and vehicle owners are responsible for understanding and complying with parking rules, and for keeping their contact and registration details up to date.

Waivers are generally only granted where there is clear evidence of an error, or exceptional circumstances supported by evidence. Please ensure you include all relevant evidence when submitting your dispute through our online form. If you are unable to upload all supporting files, you may email additional evidence to parking@selwyn.govt.nz and include your infringement number.

Council may consider waiving infringements for certification of fitness or vehicle licensing issues that have been promptly rectified. This is at Council’s discretion, and no guarantee of waiver is provided.

What should I do if I have lost my infringement notice?
Please contact our parking team at parking@selwyn.govt.nz and include:

  • Your name
  • Vehicle registration
  • Whether you are the owner or driver
  • Date, time, and location (if known)