Printed from https://fyi.org.nz/request/26271-towage-fees-for-illegally-parked-vehicles on May 04, 2024 17:06

Towage Fees for Illegally Parked Vehicles

James Kent made this Official Information request to Simeon Brown

Response to this request is delayed. By law, Simeon Brown should normally have responded promptly and by (details and exceptions)

From: James Kent

Dear Simeon Brown,

When do you intend in instructing Audrey Sonerson to update the Towage Fees Notice for parking offences (only the Secretary for Transport is permitted to update the fees).

The towage fees fees have not been increased in over 20 years. They were last updated in 2004 by the then Secretary for Transport Robin Dunlop (Who is also surprised that they haven't been updated in so long).

As a result, the towage fees are so low that towing vehicles comes at a loss for local authorities, especially large ones such as Auckland Transport.

Local authorities have to budget for the loss of money in towing vehicles, and this essentially means rate payers are subsidizing the offending of other drivers.

Some local authorities have stopped towing vehicles altogether, as it is not feasible within their budget constraints.

Yours faithfully,

James Kent

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From: James Kent

Dear Simeon Brown,

May I also add that the previous Government stalled the review of these sorts of fees because of the "Cost of living crisis".

This does not make sense at all; fines are a penalty for breaking the law and it is something the government doesn't budget for. You only get an infringement if you break the law...

Yours faithfully,

James Kent

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From: Simeon Brown (MIN)
Simeon Brown

Thank you for contacting Hon Simeon Brown MP, Minister of Transport,
Minister of Local Government, Minister for Energy and Minister for
Auckland.

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Kind regards,
[cid:image001.jpg@01DA43A9.6D8F41D0]
Office of Hon Simeon Brown MP
Minister of Transport, Minister of Local Government, Minister for Energy,
Minister for Auckland
Email: [Simeon Brown request email]
Website: www.Beehive.govt.nz
Private Bag 18041, Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6160, New Zealand

Authorised by Hon Simeon Brown MP, Parliament Buildings, Wellington

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From: Simeon Brown (MIN)
Simeon Brown

Dear James,

Thank you for your Official Information Act 1982 (the Act) request, received on 02/04/2024, in which you requested the following information:

- When do you intend in instructing Audrey Sonerson to update the Towage Fees Notice for parking offences

Your request will be answered within the provisions of the Official Information Act.

Kind regards,
Evana

Office of Hon Simeon Brown
Minister of Transport, Minister of Local Government, Minister for Energy, Minister for Auckland

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