The council had been advising drivers of the planned increase since August, but at the Waitaki District Council's September council meeting Cr Melanie Tavendale convinced councillors the proposed $40 fine - recommended by the council's heritage, environment and regulatory committee - was too high.
Cr Jan Wheeler resisted the change, saying a $40 fine was ``right and proper'', considering it remained relatively cheap to park in Oamaru.
Cr Bill Kingan said the increased infringement fee ``is about messages'' and whether the fine was $40 or $30 ``did not make much difference''.
Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher said there would still be a grace period for those who just wanted to ``shoot in'' to a store on the main street.