Help wanted in stamping out illegal parking

Parking on grass verges is an eyesore and can cause damage to turf, tree roots and pipes.

Often well-tended residential grass frontages are transformed into muddy areas much like Woodford Glen on a wet night.

The trouble is caused by drivers illegally parking on grass verges or berms.

Not only does parking on the berms and verges cause an eyesore, it also wastes rates money on repairs to the grass and any underground pipes that may be damaged in the process.

It is illegal to park on berms and the Christchurch City Council Parking Unit (371-1741) want to know about the illegal parking as it can then do something about it.

Maurice Smith, the Parking Operations Manager, says that it is an ongoing problem, and one that can bring an of fending driver a $40 fine.

Riverbanks are also extremely vulnerable to damage from illegal car parking. As well as grass and tree rot damage, riverbank parking can cause bank edges to slump and erode.

Maurice Smith says that assistance from the public in helping to stamp out this offence, and protecting our cities beautiful rivers, is welcomed.

Like other grassed areas, this of fence carries a fine of $40.

A third area where public can be especially helpful, is in identifying vehicles that display advertising for sale on the roadsides.

This of fence is one that can jeopardise the safety of other drivers, as they become distracted while "checking the price of that shiny red Corvette on the side of the road".

Although the Parking Unit regularly monitors this of fence, public assistance is welcomed.

This of fence also carries a $40 fine.