Ask Phoebe: Police have to abide by parking rules or they cop a ticket

This morning as I wandered in to work, I saw a number of police cars circling the Albert St/Wyndham St/Federal St block, presumably looking for a park. I wondered - can police cars park wherever they like? Do they get tickets if they park illegally? Why don't they just use a shuttle bus from the main police station to the Auckland District Court, if that's where they're headed? Bruce Redman, Herne Bay.

Inspector Andrew Coster, Auckland Central Area Commander, says that if police are on urgent business at the District Court, for example to get a warrant that needs to be executed immediately, they may park wherever they can, as it will only be for a short time. If they are on more protracted business at the court, to give evidence say, they must abide by the parking rules, and that includes buying a parking ticket.

Mr Coster says that it is more often unmarked police vehicles that get ticketed, as parking wardens may not recognise them.

Police officers are as accountable as the rest of us, says Mr Coster, and this includes running red lights.

Glyn Jones of Auckland City Council backs this up. Under the emergency services vehicles provisions, police cars are exempt if they are on active duty.

Police are generally very good, he says, but infringement notices have been issued where parking behaviour has been deemed to be unacceptable.

Although a shuttle bus sounds a good idea, it's not really necessary. Police officers frequently walk to the Auckland District Court from their building in Vincent St, because it's often the easiest option. Officers from outlying areas also park at the Vincent St building, and walk to the court.

I often see dairies selling individual cans of Coke which are emblazoned with 'Not for individual sale'. I have drawn this to the dairy owner's attention on occasion, to be treated to a smile and a shrug. What is Coca-Cola's position on this matter? Simon Cooper, Waterview.

They are not particularly happy about it, but the statement is not legally binding, so there is little they can do.

It's a ploy used by manufacturers, not just Coca-Cola, to discourage retailers from buying multipacks at a discount and then splitting them up to sell at the full price.

Can you tell me why so many flying foxes are disappearing from playgrounds in the Eastern Bays area? The one at Little Rangitoto playground for example, was popular and safe, while providing a bit of a thrill for the kids, but it has been removed. Why? Andrea Little, Remuera.

Auckland City Council inspects all playground equipment every three months, to make sure it's safe. During the last inspection about 50 per cent of the flying foxes had structural problems, so that they had to be removed.

They are being replaced as the parts, which come from overseas, become available.

The Little Rangitoto flying fox is now back in action, and the only one still to be fixed is the one from Waikowhai Reserve.

* Birth notice: Mr and Mrs Plover, of Western Springs onramp fame, are pleased to announce the safe arrival of four baby plover chicks. Mowers beware!