Background
Wellington City Council will transition from paper-based trade parking coupons to digital trade parking permits. This aligns with the introduction of licence plate recognition technology (LPR) vehicles. LPR is a more efficient way of monitoring parking in the city and effectively enforcing parking restrictions.
Transition from paper coupons to digital permits
Digital trade parking permits will be introduced in March 2025. Digital permits will provide more convenience and flexibility for trades by making it easier to buy permits online when needed. Any number of permits can be bought, and they don't have an expiry date.
From March to April, you can still buy coupons through our service desks or online order form, but in smaller quantities. Paper coupons can continue to be used until 30 June 2025.
Some areas may be monitored by our LPR vehicles. If you use a paper coupon, LPR vehicles can’t recognise it and there may be a chance of a ticket being issued. Until 30 June, if you receive an infringement for using a paper coupon, you can still appeal a parking ticket online. You’ll need to keep your paper coupon to appeal.
From 1 July 2025 paper coupons can't be used – you’ll need to use digital trade parking permits.
Timeline
- March 2025 – digital trade parking permits are introduced
- March 2025 – limits on the number of paper coupons sold
- April 2025 – paper trade coupons are no longer sold
- 30 June 2025 – last day to use paper coupons
- From 1 July 2025 – paper coupons can't be used
Permit costs
The prices for trade parking permits will remain the same – see trade parking coupon types and costs.
How to buy digital permits
Tradespeople will be able to buy and activate digital permits in our online platform, Whakatutuki. We’ll provide further details in 2025.
Sign up for updates
Fill in our form to sign up for updates about digital trade parking permits.
Contact us
If you have any questions, please contact the Parking Services team.
Email: parkingpermits@wcc.govt.nz