AT is looking to introduce paid parking on Ponsonby Rd on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, and more paid spots near Ponsonby Rd. Video / Cameron Pitney
Motorists are going to extraordinary lengths to reserve car parks this Christmas season, fighting with fellow drivers or employing risky strategies – including putting their bodies on the line – to intimidate other drivers.
AA Insurance is urging people to respect other motorists and practise good parking protocol as theholidays put extra stress and tension on the roads.
In a survey of nearly 1000 drivers questioned about parking habits, 20% said they had resorted to using unconventional methods, like lying down in a space or blocking it with cones, to reserve it for themselves or their designated driver.
Others used objects like shopping trolleys and bins to block entry to the space, asked someone to stand in it, or left a fake note or warning on another car to ward them off.
One in seven drivers also reported clashing with another driver over a single space; those surveyed said disputes could escalate into verbal arguments over who had the right to park there, with the festive season’s added stresses only increasing tensions between road users.
“In the Christmas rush, tempers can flare when car parks are full and everyone is trying to get in and out quickly," said Beau Paparoa, AA’s head of motor claims.
One in seven drivers say they have clashed with someone over a park. Photo / Dean Purcell
“Parking disputes can escalate fast, and no one wants their holiday ruined over a car park. The best thing you can do is stay calm, avoid risky tactics, and remember that safety comes first.”
The insurance company released the data today as it reports receiving 87,000 collision-related claims in the year to December 2025.
The volume of claims is tied to all collisions involving at least one vehicle, including those reported on the road, in parking spaces, while reversing and while stationary.
So far this year, 25,875 new Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) claims have been lodged for road injuries, with 43,794 active overall, costing the accident insurance provider $572,532,412 at the time of writing.
Yet ACC claims reflect only a segment of all road accidents and collisions, in which a vehicle may be damaged but no injuries reported.
Paparoa had advice for those tackling last-minute Christmas shopping and navigating the increased activity at retail hubs.
One in five drivers admitted using tactics like cones or trolleys to reserve spaces.
“If someone beats you to a spot, let it go. It’s not worth a confrontation.
“And if you do make a mistake, owning up and leaving your details is the right thing to do. A little courtesy goes a long way in keeping everyone safe and stress-free.”
It was very common to see accidents happen in busy carparks, he added.
“We often see cars reversing into other vehicles or getting clipped by stray trolleys.
“It’s a terrible time of year to end up with damage, so the best thing drivers can do is slow down, stay calm, and keep an eye out for hazards.”
Other tips for avoiding an accident and making holiday shopping stress-free include:
