Auckland is facing a mounting challenge in enforcing its parking and traffic rules, with only 68% of bus and transit lane fines issued over the past three years having been paid—leaving millions in revenue uncollected and raising questions about the effectiveness and fairness of the current system.
Figures obtained by The New Zealand Herald show that Auckland Transport (AT) issued 28,953 fines from 2021 to the end of 2024, but only 68% were paid in part or in full. The situation is even more stark when zooming in on the city’s busiest roads: in the 2023/24 financial year, only 55% of fines issued on the top ten infringement hotspots were collected. On Queen Street alone, $11 million in fines were issued—nearly three times more than the next highest location—but much of that money remains outstanding.
The backlog is prompting scrutiny from city leaders and the public as debate grows over the role of parking enforcement in urban governance and whether the system is working for anyone.
A System Designed to Deter, But Faltering in Practice
Under current regulations, Auckland Transport has legal authority to issue fines for a range of offences, including parking violations, misuse of bus lanes, and stopping in shared pedestrian spaces. The fines range from $20 to $97 for overstays, with a standard $70 fee for more serious infringements such as driving in bus lanes.
When a fine is issued, motorists are given 28 days to pay or dispute it, with the option to request instalments over six weeks. If no action is taken within 70 days, the fine is handed over to Baycorp, a debt collection agency. After five months, unpaid fines are referred to the Ministry of Justice, where a $55 court fee is added and the case enters a lengthy enforcement process.
But according to AT’s Parking Services and Compliance Group Manager John Strawbridge, even this multi-step process struggles to recover many fines. It’s not uncommon for AT to receive payments for fines as long as four years if these have been through the court process,” he said.
Public Discontent and a Culture of Non-Compliance
Behind the low payment rate lies a complex mix of inefficiencies, loopholes, and public resistance. Speaking on The Mike Hosking Breakfast, New Zealand Parking Association Chair Mike Kelly said that the problem isn’t limited to Auckland. “Most councils I think that you talk to will have the same concerns,” he said. “We have a limited window to have our tickets paid… And then there’s a limitation on how long before we can send them to the Ministry of Justice, which is the usual escalation process.”
Kelly pointed to a systemic issue in enforcement. “There are lots of people out there that have hundreds of tickets, that will get tickets every day for repetitive offences and not be too bothered about that at all, and they just go to the Ministry of Justice and get added onto their desk.”
Psychology may also play a role, Kelly noted, referring to the frustration many drivers feel about fines issued in bus and cycle lanes, which can sometimes feel arbitrary. The sense that consequences are minimal only fuels public apathy and resentment.
A Push for Stronger Tools and Tougher Penalties
Mayor Wayne Brown has been vocal in his dissatisfaction, calling for AT to improve its fine recovery methods and increase enforcement. “They need a better debt collector, and I’ve asked for more advice,” he said.
Brown has in the past supported raising fines in Auckland to $100, and a 70% increase in parking fines was implemented nationwide in October 2024. Brown argues that higher fines will help deter repeat offenders and recover lost revenue.
Strained Systems and New Strategies
Auckland Transport acknowledges the challenge and is moving to strengthen its enforcement framework. In addition to employing 50 new parking and transport officers, AT is rolling out CCTV systems to monitor bus and transit lanes in areas like Te Atatū Peninsula, Akoranga Drive, and Hobson Street.
Still, limitations persist. Notices must still be delivered via post, as current laws prevent councils from issuing tickets via email—a constraint that complicates tracking down offenders, especially when vehicle ownership records are outdated or incomplete.
According to AT, better tools—like verified email addresses linked to vehicle registrations—and legislative reform would go a long way in closing the compliance gap. The agency is also backing the New Zealand Parking Association’s push for national policy changes that would modernise the system.
Looking Forward
The question now is whether Auckland can pivot toward a more effective, equitable enforcement model. Suggestions include linking fine payments to vehicle registration renewals, introducing tiered fines based on income or repeat offences, and developing digital tools such as mobile alerts and online dispute systems.
For now, Aucklanders are left navigating a system many feel is inconsistent, inefficient, or simply unfair—while the city forfeits millions in uncollected fines.
As urban congestion worsens and public trust erodes, Auckland may be reaching a turning point in how it enforces the rules of the road. The price of inaction, both financial and social, is becoming harder to ignore.