Plan to Ban Taxis from CBD Parking Spaces

Wellington City Councillors have unanimously voted in favour of a plan to stop taxis waiting in ‘pay and display’ parking spaces on five of the central city’s busiest streets – in order to free up more parking space for the public.

The plan, when confirmed at a Council meeting later this month, will be welcomed by retailers and motorists who frequently complain that cabs are taking up valuable parking spaces while they wait for customers.

There are more than 1200 taxis servicing the Capital and about 3400 metered parking spaces on central-city streets. The proposed parking ban follows a change to the Wellington City Consolidated Bylaw in December last year.

The changes will mean taxis cannot occupy metered parking spaces every day from 8am–6pm on the busiest sections of The Terrace, Lambton Quay, Waring Taylor Street, Featherston Street and Mercer Street (exact details are provided below).

The City Council’s Transport Portfolio Leader, Councillor Andy Foster, says the restrictions were proposed in response to ongoing complaints from parkers and retailers.

“Balancing the competing demands of all road users in our busy central city is a real challenge. Taxis are a crucial part of Wellington’s transport network – and we want to cater for them as best we can. But our ‘pay and display’ parking spaces are there for shoppers and businesses – not for taxis.

“We recognise that our taxi stands are often full – but the reality is the stands in the CBD are there so shoppers have convenient locations to hail cabs from – not to provide parking for 1200 taxis. We plan to work with the taxi industry in the future to find workable solutions to their parking issues,” adds Cr Foster.

The restricted parking areas will apply to any vehicle displaying ‘taxi’ signage. Taxis wishing to park in ‘pay and display’ spaces while not for hire will have to remove their ‘taxi’ signage.

The restrictions will come into effect at midnight on Monday 3 June with fines of $40. However during the first week parking wardens will focus on education rather fines – handing out flyers informing taxi drivers of the restrictions. Signage will also be erected in the affected areas.

ENDS

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