Ask Phoebe: Parking buildings fair game for wardens

A public parking building. Photo / Greg Bowker

I recently received an infringement notice while parked in the Pt Chevalier shopping mall carpark and although I did not park the car, as the registered owner I accept responsibility.

Can the council transport parking wardens issue infringement notices in shopping mall carparks and if so can we expect more of these revenue-gathering wardens to visit St Lukes, Sylvia Park, Albany and Glenfield shopping malls in the near future? Also, does the NZ Land Transport Act provide for this and/or condone the actions of this council? Ian Warren, Pt Chevalier.

Yes, yes probably, and yes. I assume the notice was for a registration or warrant of fitness infringement. According to information I found on the Auckland Transport website, parking wardens employed by the council provide "enforcement services" on public roads, in public places and carparks, and in transit and bus lanes. They are permitted to do this under the following legislation: Section 177 of the Local Government Act 2002, Sections 7 & 68BA, and Schedule 2A of the Transport Act 1962, and associated city consolidated bylaws.

Parking wardens can also issue tickets for worn or damaged tyres, unlawful licence plates or for a vehicle that does not meet legal on-road requirements.

As a frequent footpath user of the footpath on Viaduct Harbour Drive, I would like to know if the footpath outside the Westin Hotel also serves as a taxi rank. I have been almost bowled over twice by rude drivers who inform me it is a taxi rank. Bryan Lomas, CBD.

According to a list found on Auckland Transport's website, the footpath outside this hotel (full name: Westin Lighter Quay) does not constitute a taxi rank. Taxis may use pay-and-display carparks as long as they abide by the conditions controlling times and tickets allocated to that area.

Can you please tell me if there are any special arrangements regarding public transport and/or parking recommendations for the World Hockey Championships to be held from December 3-11 at the North Shore Hockey Stadium? Althea Leonard, Auckland.

Not that I can discover. As with any major event like this, the best plan is to get there early and park where it is permitted, hide valuables left in the vehicle etc - all the usual precautions.

Public transport options from the city include taking a Northern Express bus from Britomart as far as the Constellation station, and then the 880 Albany loop bus as far as Paul Mathews Drive, where the stadium is located.

* There was an error in the column of Thursday, November 17, regarding the use of mopeds on footpaths. While mopeds may not ordinarily be ridden on footpaths or cycleways, the exception is where a road controlling authority can authorise the use of a footpath by a moped or motorcycle rider for the purpose of delivering newspapers, mail or other printed material to letterboxes. The error is regretted.