The Council is
responsible for ensuring that the demand for car parking is balanced by
the
supply of car parking spaces. Parking
restrictions are used to
encourage support of businesses and to ensure that specialised parking
facilities like loading zones operate properly.
The Council will issue
you with an infringement notice if your vehicle (includes cars, trucks,
motor bikes, etc) is illegally parked or if it does not meet the legal
requirements for vehicles to be on the road as defined in the Transport
Act and Traffic Regulations. For example, an Evidence of Vehicle
Inspection (formerly a Warrant of Fitness) is not displayed, your
registration has expired, your tyres are worn or damaged or your car has
unauthorised licence plates.
The Infringement
notice issued will show:
The
details of your vehicle
The
date and time the ticket was issued
Where
your car was parked at the time
The
alleged offence
The
fee
A summary of rights is
printed on the reverse of the ticket and explains your rights and
obligations.
Your parking fine
should be paid within 28 days from the date the ticket was issued. You
can pay the amount due by:
cash
or cheque at the Papakura District Council; or
post
to Private Bag 7, Papakura. Cheques should be made payable to
Papakura District Council and have the
ticket number and vehicle registration number noted on the back.
If you disagree with a
ticket you've received, you can request a review. This is known as
disputing an infringement notice. Your request for a review must be put
in writing to the Customer Services Unit
Papakura District Council, 35 Coles Crescent, Papakura.
You will need to
include the following information:
1.The
ticket number
2.The
vehicle registration number
3.Your
full name and address for replies
4.A
contact telephone number
Your letter should
include a copy (not the original) of any supporting documentation
you have ie proof that your car has a current Evidence of Vehicle
inspection. All requests are read and acknowledged. Responses take a
minimum of 14 days.
If
you accept that you are guilty and pay the infringement fee before the
notice is lodged at court, no further action or additional court
administration costs will be incurred.
Sending a written submission means that you do not appear in court.
This
option is the only one available if you wish to plead guilty but feel
you have good reasons that may excuse you.
Your
written submission and any previous correspondence you may have sent
to the Council will be forwarded to the court on your behalf. If you
have additional supporting evidence, please include it with your
request for a submission hearing.
Justices of the peace will consider your submission in chambers and
you will be notified of their decision by mail.
A
defended hearing is when you believe you are not guilty.
The
hearing requires you to appear at court at 10.00am on the specified
day.
The
court clerk will read out the defendants' names and when your name is
called you will be asked to make your plea. Once you have pleaded not
guilty, your case is usually heard the same day.
Justices of the peace will consider what you, the Council’s prosecutor
and witness (usually the parking officer who issued the infringement
notice) have to say before making a decision. If you have a witness or
witnesses that you want to appear on your behalf, please make sure
they are at court on the day.
If
you request this option you will be served with a notice of hearing.
This will provide full details of when you are required to appear in
court.
If
you plead guilty (option 2) or are found guilty (option 3) of the
offence, the court will order you to pay the fine and any other costs
ordered by the court.
