Phoenix fans get parking tickets waived

Wellington City Council will waive time-limit related parking tickets issued to soccer fans outside the Westpact Stadium yesterday during the Phoenix-Perth Glory match.

Mayor Kerry Prendergast said council chief executive Garry Poole had decided to waive 61 tickets because "this was a very unusual set of circumstances."

Wellington Phoenix went into overtime after a tied score of 1-1. Both teams battled through half an hour of extra time before the match went to penalties, ending in a 4-2 win for Phoenix.

"These drivers were caught out as the match went all the way to penalties," Ms Prendergast said.

"The wardens were only doing their job but we are able to use our discretion and waive the tickets in this instance."

"Mr Poole has also asked council staff to look in the next few days at our approach to parking enforcement around the stadium."

But Ms Prendergast said waiving the tickets did not mean stadium users would have a free pass next time, and urged them to use public transportation.

"It's very easy to get to and from the stadium without using a car. That way, problems like this don't arise."

About 10 other infringement notices were issued last night around the stadium to vehicles parked on bus stops or not displaying registration. These tickets will not be waived.

- NZPA