Car parking rates rise in CBD

Day rates in Auckland CBD car parks are set to rise $7 a day from August 1.

The day rate at three inner-city Auckland car parks is rising by $7 per day, Auckland Transport has announced.

From August 1, the daily parking rate at the Downtown, Civic and Victoria St car park buildings will jump from $17 to $24.

Evening and maximum rates will also increase at Victoria St and Downtown, rising from $7.50 to $10.

The Civic will have a flat fee of $12 after 6pm.

The hourly rate is not changing, however, and will remain at $3 on peak, and $2 off peak per hour at each of the carparks.

In a statement announcing the price hike, Auckland Transport said it had historically "subsidised people to drive into the city at peak times", which was adding to congestion problems in the city.

"Our prices are increasing further to dis-incentivise people from driving during one of the busiest times of the day (am peak)," it said.

"The removal of the Early Bird option in December 2014 has not had the desired impact in changing customer behaviour. A further step is needed to assist in modal shift behaviour from cars to public transport, walking or cycling.

"AT is continuing to move towards the customer pays for their stay approach. This replicates AT's central city on-street parking approach.

"AT anticipates this move will free up some peak hour occupancy in its off-street parking facilities while continuing to provide for short stay users encouraging turn-over and availability."