Palmy parking cost increases

Parking in Palmerston North has increased a whooping 20 cents to $1.70 p/h at metered spots in the central areas. 

Alongside the devastating change implemented on July 1, the Council had planned to extend the hours that parking would be charged as well as adding metered parking on Sunday. However, these changes have been put on hold after public outrage and a petition signed by 5,600 people. So basically, all of Palmy. 

Second year student Lawrence says the extended hours in the evening won’t affect him as much as the increased charges. “As a student, I tend to try and park in as many free parking areas as possible so increasing prices will affect me when I can’t find a spare free space,” he said. However, he says the possibility of charging weekend hours would affect him more. 

It was intended that charges would apply on Sundays from 9am to 3pm. 

Students making their last-minute piss runs for the weekend would be targeted too, with the other extension for charges until 9pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. 

Fourth year student Hayden says none of the changes to the hours or cost affect him because he lives close to town. “I can see how it would disadvantage people who have to drive and park every day,” he said. Another student, Dusty says “it’s fucking bullshit” and went on about libertarianism for a bit. Mood. 

Public consultation regarding the extension of hours will take place in September. Make sure to have your say.