Central Otago District Council regulatory services manager Lee Webster said following a period of education, involving speaking with drivers and leaving friendly reminders on vehicles where an infringement could have been issued, parking rules had been enforced in Cromwell for about a month.
During August, 83 infringements were issued, to a value of $4324, he said.
A contractor had been employed in a new role to enforce parking limits as well as assisting with animal control.
"Parking and barking, so to speak."
The two functions made up a full-time role, depending on demand, animal control being the priority, Mr Webster said.
Council acting group manager planning and infrastructure Quinton Penniall said the council was reviewing parking signage with an initial focus on Alexandra to ensure the number of timed parking areas, and the length of time limits applied, were appropriate for the town.
"As part of this process, we’ll do friendly parking reminders to educate and encourage voluntary compliance, while making sure the system is set up correctly before moving to enforcement," Mr Penniall said.
Council parking infringements range from $20 to $750, depending on the offence.
Before the parking officer began issuing infringements the council had seen unacceptable parking behaviour, Mr Webster said.
The worst offenders were those parked on yellow lines, blocking footpaths, in mobility spaces without displaying the required permit, or exceeding the time limit for a specific space.
Mr Webster acknowledged the job would not be an easy one and urged members of the public to be considerate.
"At times, not everyone values the role of a parking officer. However, this is an important function to assist in maintaining the flow of traffic and parking in public areas, along with maintaining the safety of pedestrians and other road users through improving parking behaviours.
"We ask the community to please be kind and respectful to them as they are simply doing their job for our wider benefit."
In 2023, the council undertook a review of its roading bylaw, which included changes to parking restrictions and infringement fines in the district.
