Help us get parking right
Waimakariri District Council media release: 24th February 2026
Parking and traffic affect all of us, whether we’re driving to work, walking to school, cycling to the shops, or delivering goods for a business. That’s why we’re updating the Parking and Traffic Bylaw, and we want your input.
Bylaws are the rules that help keep our district safe, accessible, and fair. Our current Parking Bylaw was adopted in 2019, and while it has served us well, it no longer fully addresses the realities of modern travel. Issues like mobility access, overnight parking, heavy vehicle impacts, and evolving transport needs mean it’s time for a refresh.
The proposed Parking and Traffic Bylaw 2026 aims to make everyday travel safer and simpler for everyone. It will clarify parking rules across urban and rural areas, introduce residents’ parking zones and permit options, and set aside spaces for EV charging, carpooling, and mobility access. It also includes new measures for overnight parking, traffic movement controls, and rules for mobile trading, while strengthening protections for public spaces and infrastructure.
We’re making these changes to ensure fair access for residents, businesses, and visitors, support sustainable transport options, and improve amenity in our streets and neighbourhoods. Importantly, the bylaw also gives Council the tools to enforce these rules consistently and transparently.
Now it’s over to you. Your feedback will help us get the details right—like where overnight parking should be allowed and how to balance parking for residents and visitors. Consultation is open now and closes 9th March 2026.
Find out more about the Parking and Traffic Bylaw proposal, and how to share your views.
Together, we can make parking and driving in Waimakariri work better for everyone!
Why We Are Making Changes
The proposed bylaw aims to:
- Improve safety for everyone on the road.
- Protect public spaces and infrastructure.
- Ensure fair access to parking for residents, businesses, and visitors.
- Support sustainable transport options like electric vehicle (EV) charging and carpooling.
- Reduce nuisance and improve amenity in residential and commercial areas.
Key Changes Proposed in the Bylaw
Some of the changes we’re considering include:
- Clearer parking rules for urban and rural areas.
- Residents’ parking zones and permit options.
- Overnight parking restrictions in selected areas.
- Flexible parking zones based on location and demand.
- Reserved spaces for EV charging, carpooling, mobility access, and parents with infants.
- New rules for mobile trading on roads and public spaces.
- Traffic movement controls, including turn bans, one-way streets, shared zones, and keep clear zones.
- Restrictions on heavy vehicles and engine braking.
- Expanded enforcement tools to ensure fair and consistent compliance.
- Updated definitions and accessibility standards.
- Anti-circumvention rules for motorhomes and trailers.
- Administrative updates for greater transparency and flexibility.