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Inner city parking changes are now live.

New street meters, virtual meters and the PayStay app. If you’re working in town – get a permit. Click here to find out what’s changed before you park. 🚗

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Get ready for permit parking

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At the end of this month big changes are coming to parking in the inner city.

From 1 July the current system will be replaced with new machines, virtual meters, a new app, a new parking team, local customer service and new permit parking areas.

The online ePermit portal is now live. You can purchase one or three-month permits, Corporate permits or apply for a free RLC Mobility permit.

Daily and two-week permits will be available for purchase from 1 July.

Register for a permit reminder

More info about permits:

  • Permit areas operate between 9am and 3pm on weekdays (free after 3pm and on weekends – no permit required).
  • The inner city parking building will be refocused to permit-only parking between 9am and 3pm on weekdays. Users can purchase day, two week, one month and three month permits or corporate permits for business vehicles.
  • People with valid permits can park in any permit area, including the carpark building except Level 1which is reserved for corporate permit holders. You don’t need to display a physical permit. It’s registered to your number plate!
  • Permits are capped to ensure there is always enough parks for the amount of permits sold. If cap is reached, waitlists will be used.
  • All permits are non-refundable.
  • You can change the number plate your permit is registered to in case you need to swap a vehicle or you buy a new car.
  • Businesses can secure a park on Level 1 of the carpark building by purchasing a corporate permit for business vehicles through the online portal.

Parking prices from 1 July

Free parking is also available in spots on the outskirts of the inner city.

Parking map from 1 July

Mobility permits

As part of the new system mobility card holders can apply for a FREE mobility permit so they can use standard parks around the inner city.

Council’s upgraded parking system now uses two scan cars to assist the parking wardens to monitor parking. Scan cars use number plate reading technology to confirm legitimate parking. This presents a challenge for mobility card holders because mobility cards are linked to individuals or companies – not number plates.

To ensure that people with valid mobility cards can still make use of mobility parks and standard parks for free, council is introducing a free mobility permit which will help parking wardens and scan cars recognise genuine mobility entitlements. This will ensure that infringements are not wrongly issued to genuine mobility card holders.

There are currently at least two mobility parks on every inner city street, and this will not change on 1 July.

What’s new:

  • Anyone with a valid mobility card can apply for a free mobility ‘permit’.
  • The permit will be valid until the expiry of the mobility card.
  • The permit is digital so it does not need to be displayed in the vehicle.

Council’s mobility parking policy

Mobility card holders can:

  • use dedicated mobility spaces as long as needed for free.
  • Use standard parks with no specified time limit for as long as needed - free.
  • use time-limited parks (except P15s) for double the amount of time - free.
Find out more and get a permit

More info about mobility permits:

Why do I need a permit if I already have a mobility card?
Mobility cards are linked to an individual not a car. The scan cars used for enforcement recognise registration plates and can’t see what is in the front window.

Parking Wardens will also manually enforce parking in mobility parks with the scan car technology helping to enforce standard or time-limited parking. The permit will help ‘tell’ the scan car that you are permitted to park due to your mobility card status.

What if I use more than one vehicle to get around?
We understand that mobility card holders may rely on more than one vehicle for transportation. In the application, card holders can specify other vehicles they may use to travel such as a family member’s or carer’s car.

Does that mean my nominated vehicles get free parking all the time?
Any vehicle linked to a mobility card through a permit, must still pay for parking at any time the vehicle is not being specifically used for mobility transportation needs. Staff may contact you when processing your application should they require any clarification.

What will I need for my application?
You will need the information listed below:

  • contact details for the card holder
  • a clear copy of a valid mobility card (including expiry date)
  • the number plate(s) of vehicles you use

You can also visit Rotorua Lakes Council, where our customer service team can help you apply.

Do I need to display my mobility card?
Yes, you will still need to display your mobility card so a warden can verify the permit’s validity if need be.

Can I get help applying?
Yes absolutely, council staff can help with applications and with any questions you may have.

For more information about permits check out our Parking 2026 project page or call council’s friendly Customer Service team on 07 348 4199.

Find out more about the parking changes coming 1 July
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