23/05/2006

New parking warden is just the ticket

The streets of Otorohanga will be safer with Jim Clark on the job.
Mr Clark has been appointed Otorohanga's resident parking warden, and starts work next week.
Otorohanga Business Association has initiated a more active enforcement of the Traffic bylaw 2005 - particularly in relation to parking restrictions - to encourage the flow of traffic for motorists' convenience and safety in the community.
This has resulted in the issue of warning notices for the next three weeks by Mr Clark, who is also Otorohanga District Council's animal control officer.
Mr Clark believes his new role is an important one.
He is particularly passionate about decreasing the number of trucks double parking in Maniapoto St, creating a hazard for motorists and pedestrians who cannot see past the vehicles.
"It is not really local companies who are doing it, but trucks from out of town, and it's just not safe," he said.
"The endangerment of the public is one of my highest priorities in this job. To me that is more important than pinging someone who has their car parked in the wrong place."
But of course, that is the other role that Mr Clark has taken on - and he admits it is not something he is particularly looking forward to.
"I'd be more than happy to walk the main street, and not have to issue any tickets," he said.
"That would be a good day. But I have to be fair, and it doesn't matter who you are - if you're not where you are supposed to be you will get a ticket.
"Everyone has to be treated the same, I feel very strongly about that. I'll probably be issuing tickets to my friends, and I don't want to have to do that - but it's all part of the job."
Mr Clark will police the situation at random times.
"This is not a desirable situation for council to be in," said Otorohanga mayor Dale Williams.
"We won't be going out to recover fines. This is merely a training exercise to develop a more responsible attitude to parking in the main street - and hopefully it will be a short-term measure."
Following the three week warning period, infringement notices will be issued to owners of offending vehicles.
"Council and the Otorohanga Business Association continue to welcome visitors and
shoppers to Otorohanga," said council chief executive David Hall.
"We also encourage local businesses to take advantage of the free unlimited public parking areas  including Whittington Lane, Turongo St, and others."
Mr Hall also said parking was becoming an issue of concern in Kawhia.