Cash not behind city fees

The head of the council committee pushing to extend pay parking in central Auckland appears to have contradicted himself over the plan's link to revenue.

Auckland City Council's transport committee has backed a scheme that would charge motorists half daytime rates to park in parts of the CBD between 6pm and 10pm.

On Wednesday committee chairman Ken Baguley told the Herald on Sunday the council was "looking to shore up revenue" and "optimise the return that the city gets from parking".

The following day a council press release played up the benefits for inner-city visitors, arguing the plan would stop apartment residents hogging spaces overnight.

Baguley later told the New Zealand Herald the council did not see the scheme as a way to make extra money.

When contacted by the Herald on Sunday to clarify his stance, Baguley denied his comments about revenue.

After being read his quotes he acknowledged he had made the comments. He said while revenue was a factor it was "not the main driver".

He said the council's parking income was down and officers were looking at new ways to generate revenue.

But in this case, the main benefit was improving access to on-street parking during the evening.

The charges would stop inner-city residents parking on the street all night, blocking access for visitors, Baguley said.

"There is a by-product of more revenue, but in this instance, it's about getting better access."

Officers estimate charges will generate an extra $1.95 million a year, assuming there's no change in parking habits.

Even with a 30 per cent drop in occupancy they would bring in an extra $1.37m but new signs and reprogramming parking meters would cost $500,000.

The council collected $10.8m from pay-and-display meters in the year to June 30, down from $11.3m the previous year.

Overall parking revenue is also down because of increasing public transport use, some meters being removed for construction and fewer parking tickets being issued.

Alex Swney, chief executive of the Heart of the City business association, said he looked forward to talking to the council about the issue. "We have long held concerns that council views parking as a revenue stream."

The council will seek feedback this month, and if approved, charges could be introduced from December.