Hospitality New Zealand (Hospitality NZ) has welcomed Auckland Transport’s decision to delay changes to overnight on-street parking charges in Auckland's central city to allow for further consultation.
Steve Armitage, Hospitality NZ Chief Executive, said the delay would allow proper consultation with the hospitality industry.
“This postponement allows for additional time for Auckland Transport to carry out consultation with stakeholders, including the hospitality industry, to ensure that any changes are both effective and equitable for all parties involved," said Armitage.
“Hospitality workers from restaurants, bars, nightclubs and accommodation providers rely on cheap and safe inner-city parking options while at work. In many cases, driving is the safest and most reliable transportation mode for workers to get home after finishing late."
The plan outlined by Auckland Transport was to no longer allow free curbside parking in the central city outside peak hours, overnight, and weekends. The changes would have cost vehicle owners an additional $2 and $3 an hour.
Auckland Mayor, Wayne Brown, said he had no idea that the changes were coming, and Auckland Transport chief executive Dean Kimpton said the delay to overnight charges to October 1st ould allow for further discussion with key stakeholders and those affected.
“We know public transport options are harder to navigate in the early hours of the morning, and taxis or Uber are often not affordable enough for those relying on them to get home many times a week.
“Hospitality NZ would welcome the opportunity to identify solutions on this particular matter, and to contribute to the discussion on where reinvestment of funds raised from parking fees will contribute the most return for city vibrancy.”
Charges for Sundays and public holidays will begin as planned on July 1st. Wynyard Quarter will be exempt from any changes until the Wynyard Crossing pedestrian bridge is operating again.
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