Duke Street (Image: Andrew Teebay)

Drivers caught out by end of free parking - what you need to know

The city council extended parking charges in the controlled parking zone (CPZ) until 11pm, eliminating free evening parking after 6pm. This decision was finally implemented after being first proposed two and a half years ago and following a review dating back to 2018.

The new scheme immediately caught thousands of drivers out, with more than 7,000 fines issued between August and October in the first three months. The high number of tickets indicates many motorists were unaware of or ignored the updated time restrictions.

Despite overwhelming public opposition, with almost 90% of people against the proposal, city leaders pushed the change through. Their main justification for the e

See Full Page