Commuters using free all day car parking spaces in green areas near the city may soon have to pay with Auckland Council looking to clamp down on those using free spaces.

This comes after the council, in June, announced plans to do away with time-restricted parking in the inner city as well as charge motorists more the longer they park and until 10pm. Under the proposal, motorists would be allowed to park in on-street car parks for free for the first 10 minutes, and then pay up to $8 an hour thereafter. 

A report to today's Parks, Recreation and Heritage Forum outlines a proposed plan to replace free spaces in Dove-Myer Robinson Park (Parnell Rose Gardens), Pt Erin Park and Victoria Park, with fee paying spaces.

Auckland Transport, a council controlled organisation, is likely to be given authority to change the parks and enforce compliance.

''Presently, the lack of enforcement is allowing commuters to use these car parks for no fee during the day, which leads to pressures on availability of parking spaces for those who wish to enjoy the parks,'' the report reads.

''These car parking spaces are proximate to the CBD and many drivers leave their car all day, taking advantage of the proximate bus services or the easy walking distance."

The report says there is a particular issue at Pt Erin park with campervan and motor home users staying in parks for extended periods of time.

There has never been pay parking at the parks.

The forum is expected to recommend the parks be changed to paid parking. No time frame has been set down for any changes.

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- © Fairfax NZ News

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