Bikes getting tickets in Wellington (8 August)

[pete376403]

In Wellington a motorcycle cannot be parked on a park covered by a multiple meter and that covers many parks.

18.6.5 No person shall park a motorcycle in any parking meter area controlled by a multiple parking meter, other than in any part specifically set aside for motorcycles....

That is, pay and display areas? Pretty much covers most of the CBD. WTF not? If I pay the fee, am I not renting that piece of ground for the period covered, no matter what I park on it?

[Kendog]

I didn't address it to anyone in particular. I just clicked on the contact us email link and typed away.

[rwh]

That is, pay and display areas? Pretty much covers most of the CBD. WTF not? If I pay the fee, am I not renting that piece of ground for the period covered, no matter what I park on it?

My guess: because it saves all the whinging about "but I can't display the ticket on my dashboard because it might blow away or someone might steal it!" And I can't see any other way to solve that problem.

Mind you, the same would apply to roofless cars.

Richard

[James Deuce]

Rubber band. Handlebar. Works well.

[sinned]

A rubber band may well work. However, the parking bylaw says no motorcycles. I am all for starting a bit of a campaign to get enough parks so the rule against taking a car spot is irrelevant. Is anyone interested?

[James Deuce]

I'm aware of that Dennis.

[fireliv]

I kinda understand it.....I mean it depends where on the footpath you park, as long as pedsetrians can get by its ok, but if its blocking them then you are kinds asking for trouble. Plus the more bikes that do it the more complaints you will get......
Welly has way more/bigger bike parks than chch

[rwh]

Rubber band. Handlebar. Works well.

To stop someone stealing it? They'll just take the rubber band as well.

Richard

[cindymay]

I have had trouble finding a park in Wellington as I arrive late. All are full so yes more parks are needed.

My bike doesn't have a rubber band.

[merv]

My bike doesn't have a rubber band.

So its not a rubber Bandit then ?

[Cave Cleaner]

If you want bike parking in the CBD, you can park free of charge in the James Smith carpark in Wakefield Street, next to the Duxton Hotel. Check it out..AND it's under cover..

[rphenix]

I was in melbourne the other week and noticed everyone parks on the footpath! saw one bike in particular was so far from the edge everyone was having to walk around it half suprised it wasnt kicked over by some angry ped!

[pete376403]

I emailed the WCC on Friday evening with pretty much the same query as I posted here ie can bikes park in pay & display areas. Got a response today from a PR type person saying my query had been directed to the parking division and I can expect an answer in 10-15 days. I also asked how many dedicated bike parks there are and how many bikes they consider can be parked in each space.

[joehannaa]

Would be keen to know the outcome from your enquiry. Look forward to an update in..... 10 to 15 days... hopeful???

[pete376403]

Well it took a bit longer than the promised 10-15 days, and only required one reminder from me, but here is the response, recieved this morning:

Thank you for your email regarding motorcycle parking in Wellington city and apologies for the delay in our reponse.

In response to your queries:

1. Regarding Clause 18.6.5 of the Consolidated Bylaw 1991 (Part 18 Traffic).

This refers to parking at multiple parking meters such as the Pay and Display machines. Users of P&D machines are required to display the receipts in a prominent location on the vehicle, usually on the dashboard. There are no secure places on a typical motorcycle where a receipt can be displayed without fear of being blown off, damaged by rain, or even stolen. Enforcement will definitely be a concern.
On the other hand, there are other parking options available to motorcyclists. A car parking space controlled by a single parking meter can be used although a fee is required and a time restriction applies. Some car park buildings have spaces which can't be used by other vehicles. Most don't require payment and have no time restrictions. An example of this is in the James Smith's car park under the vehicle exit ramp.

2. List of areas set aside for motorcycle parking in the CBD.

Wellington has motorcycle parking in streets such as Lambton Quay, Featherston, Ballance, Mercer, Johnston, The Terrace, Grey, Vivian, among others. Unfortunately, at this time, we are unable to provide you a complete list due the ongoing changes happening in the city. In the future, we can create a map of these areas that will be made available to the public.

3. Anti-motorcycle stance of the WCC

In New Zealand there are approximately 36,000 registered motorcycles compared to 2.5 million other vehicles. This is a ratio of one motorcycle for every 70 vehicles. Based on the same proportion of parks for motorcycles as for other vehicles, the city could need to provide one motorcycle park to every 70 on-street car parks. Our Parking Services database shows there are approximately 2500 on-street parking spaces in the CBD. Based on the proportions above, 36 motorcycle spaces in the CBD would represent a 70:1 ratio. We are confident a quick count of our motorcycle spaces would exceed 36 by a considerable margin. Therefore proportionately the city is providing more than adequate parking for motorcycles.

Secondly, Wellington on-street car parks have fees and time restrictions leading to turnover of spaces. The city collects more than $10 million a year from on-street parking meters. However, motorcycle parking is free, there are no time restrictions and turnover of parking spaces is low. In fact, an initial investigation on imposing fees for motorbike parking did not get the support from the Councillors.

Finally, the Council's Infrastructure Unit proactively looks for areas in the city where motorcycle parks can be established in road spaces that are not big enough for a vehicle.


We hope that we have answered your queries regarding motorcycle parking in the Wellington CBD area. Please let us know if you have further clarifications on the matter.


Thank you.


Orencio Gueco
Property and Parking Services
Wellington City Council
101 Wakefield Street
Wellington

Phone: 04-8038287
Fax: 04-8013002