Palmerston North’s parking meter fees are going up on July 1st and the times they apply will extend into late-week evenings and weekends. While I don't have a problem with the increase in hourly fee, I do believe the extended hours will have a negative effect. The hours are currently Monday - Friday 8.30am - 5.30pm and Saturday 11am - 3pm. The new hours will be Monday - Wednesday 8.30am - 5.30pm, Thursday - Saturday 8.30am - 9pm and Sunday 9am - 3pm.

Seemingly this will encourage a higher turnover in parking but you can still park for as long as you want. Hmmm, that seems to make sense!!! It is also estimated the new hours will bring in an extra $400,000.

These new hours will have a negative effect on people attending events and shows at our local theatres and venues. Events at the Regent, Globe Theatre, Te Manawa and events in The Square will require people to pay for parking. Christmas in the Square and New Year's Eve will now require people to pay. Here we are trying to make Palmy a vibrant and exciting city and our council brings this in. Even the Square events organised by PNCC will be subject to these fees. Just to raise $400,000. We need to come together and stop this happening.