20/12/2005

Wardens for Oto parking

Watch your windscreen.
That's the message from Otorohanga District Council after it was agreed the town should issue parking infringement notices.
The decision comes after years of debate between council, Otorohanga Business Association (OBA) and the community.
In October council signalled to the public they were serious about enforcing parking restrictions after individuals repeatedly parked their vehicles in Maniapoto St all day despite the 60 minute parking limits.
At the time OBA president Dianne Murphy said those concerned were aware they had been violating the restrictions and had been spoken to, but did not seem willing to change their behaviour.
"The problem is they are local employers and employees who should know better," she said.
Last Monday a report on the parking issue was discussed at an Otorohanga Community Board meeting, with members agreeing enforcement should go ahead.
The following day the recommendation was put before council, with councillors also agreeing enforcement had become necessary.
"This is a follow on from OBA dropping friendly reminders on windscreens and trying to educate people," said mayor Dale Williams.
"There has been a lack of response to the friendly reminders so now it's time to put a little beef in it."
Council granted chief executive David Hall the power to appoint parking wardens, as set out under the Transport Act 1962.
The Act states "the chief executive is delegated the power to issue warrants of appointment to staff, and where appropriate, contractors and any third party."
One of these third parties will be Otorohanga Police who have agreed to issue infringement notices with assistance from council officers.
Tickets can be issued to anyone who parks illegally, including in bus parks, over yellow lines or for longer periods than allowed.
If people refuse to pay fines, the issue can be taken to court.
While councillors agreed parking should be enforced, some expressed their amazement that the problem had got to that point.
"It is hard to believe that Otorohanga has come to this," said councillor Doreen de  Haan.
Problems with parking have also arisen in Kawhia during recent months.

Dog ban to be enforced in Oto's main street

- but dogs still allowed in annual Christmas Parade

There is no place for dogs in Otorohanga's CBD.
That's the message Otorohanga district council is trying to give to the community by changing the district's dog policy and bylaw.
While dogs were previously permitted in Maniapoto St between 6pm to 7.30am, they are now banned entirely.
The change was recommended during a council meeting in October and agreed upon on December 13.
Following the October meeting, public notification was given about the proposed change and submissions accepted until November 21.
One submission was made from the Otorohanga Dog Training group, with secretary Terry Price attending the December 13 meeting to present it.
Mr price described the changes as a "pointless exercise"' which would riot achieve anything.
The training group argued the ban might not be properly enforced, therefore only penalising law-abiding dog owners who would be forced out of the main street.
"Unless council is intending to poice the bylaw we see no point in having it as those people who have dogs and ignore the bylaw will do so in the evening."
However, Dog control officer Jim Clark said generally the public abide by the dog control bylaws with the majority of offences occurring when visitors, are not aware of the rules.
Mr Clark said while he did not consider there to be major problem with the partial ban in Maniapoto St, he was not opposed to a total ban going ahead either.
"I think it is more of a council call. To me there is no problem either way."
The dog training group also raised the issue of the Otorohanga Christmas Parade and other events in which they participate.
"Most importantly of all is the fact that if the bylaw is passed then the dog training group will not be able to participate in the annual Christmas Parade or any other parade or activity that involves Maniapoto St," its subrnission read.
"Our group has been a regular participant in the Christmas parade and other parades over the years.
"It is an opportunity for the group to demonstrate f hat not all dogs deserve the bad press that hat seems our lot."
Mayor Dale Williams and councillors reassured Mr price special allowances would be made to enable them to continue to take part in public events.
A similar allowance is made so that other anirnals, such as horses and cattle, car, participate in events despite the town's stock droving bylaw.
"The parade is inclusive notexclusive,"' said Mr Williams.
Council resolved that now the CBD is developing and becoming busier, dogs are no longer welcome along Maniapoto St.
"Animals have their place but the main street of a CBD is not one of them," said Mr Williams
"The public's expectation is that we provide dog excercise areas certain places but people dont expect to see dogs in their CBD."
The ban includes all of Maniapoto St from the Kakamutu St intersection south to the Te Kanawa St intersection.