Feedback sought on traffic and parking rules in the district

Public submissions on Queenstown Lakes District Council’s (QLDC) draft Traffic & Parking Bylaw 2025 | Kā Waeture Huarahi kā Tūka Waka 2025 are now open, after a recommendation on the matter was approved by Councillors at the Full Council meeting on Thursday 31 July 2025.

The draft Bylaw to be put before the community largely adopts the same approach as the existing Bylaw from 2018, but includes several changes designed to help balance what works best for everyone in public spaces.

QLDC General Manager Property & Infrastructure, Tony Avery said it was important for the public to have their say on the matter, given a lot had changed in the Queenstown Lakes District since the last bylaw was adopted in 2018, and traffic and parking continued to be a key concern in the community.

“QLDC’s Traffic & Parking Bylaw regulates a wide range of activities that take place on road reserves and within parking areas, acting as the foundation for Council to address issues as and when they arise, ultimately so everyone can use these areas in a safe and efficient way,” said Mr Avery.

“Requirements around traffic and parking directly affect how people live in, move around, and access different parts of their communities, and I would encourage those interested to share their thoughts on what Council is proposing in the draft Bylaw.”

Proposed changes as part of the draft Traffic & Parking Bylaw 2025 include:

• Enabling police to enforce the fitting of snow chains on vehicles (particularly on the Crown Range).

• Incorporating new definitions to aid regulation in emerging areas of interest for the district (e.g., electric vehicles, micromobility devices).

• Helping regulate shared zones and shared paths through additional clauses.

• Encouraging the use of bicycles by allowing more flexible parking locations.

A Statement of Proposal, details on the proposed changes, and ways to give feedback on the draft Bylaw are all available online and in Council offices and libraries.

Formal submissions will close on Sunday 7 September, after which hearings will be held before Councillors deliberate and decide on adopting the draft Traffic & Parking Bylaw 2025 at a date to be confirmed before the end of the year.

To see the draft Traffic & Parking Bylaw 2025 and make a formal submission, head to letstalk.qldc.govt.nz.

ENDS | KUA MUTU.

Media contact: communications@qldc.govt.nz or call 03 441 1802.

FURTHER INFORMATION | KĀ PĀROKO TĀPIRI:

• Statement of Proposal

• Draft Traffic & Parking Bylaw 2025 | Kā Waeture Huarahi kā Tūka Waka 2025

• Draft Traffic & Parking Bylaw 2025 | Kā Waeture Huarahi kā Tūka Waka 2025 consultation webpage