Would you be happy to pay $110-a-year for a residential parking permit, so you could get a park outside your place whenever you wanted?

Some Christchurch City Council candidates think you would. Especially, if you live in the central city or in a suburb close to town where on-street parking can be a real problem.

The council is already looking into it. That’s how we have an idea how much it would cost. Around $110-a-year.

These candidates are saying today that it’s time to give residents priority parking in their own streets.

But I’m with developer Matthew Horncastle, from Williams Corporation, who is dead against the idea.

He says anyone who pays rates has the right to use an on-street car park, whether they live in the area or not. And he’s right.

He says a lot of people can’t afford to buy an apartment or a townhouse with off-street parking - so they have to park on the street.

I know how infuriating it can be for people who can’t get a park outside their place because every other Tom, Dick and Harry is parking there.

And I know that it’s a particular problem in the centre of town. Although, it’s a problem too in the suburbs a bit further out from the city.

Earlier this year, two-hour parking limits were introduced on Bishop Street in St Albans because people were struggling to get a park.

Which I’m fine with. I’ve got no problem with that. Because that keeps the parks available for everyone.

Resident parking permits are a different story, though.

I think they’re one of those things that sound good or look good on paper but, in reality, aren’t.

For example, policing them would be more work and cost for the council. Plus - just because you have a permit, it doesn’t guarantee you a park.

You could pay your $110 and end up parking around the corner. Or further away.

I hear the argument that people living on a street should have priority over others when it comes to parking. But I think we just have to accept that we have more and more properties in Christchurch without off-street parking and residential parking permits aren’t going to solve the problem.

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