Media Release
20 February 2007

Parking Angels watching over us

Waitakere City’s parking wardens have been transformed into “Parking Angels” - ‘guardian angels’ in fact, whose role extends to making sure that residents can use our roads as safely as possible.

Working closely with schools and other community agencies they are supporting good behaviours demonstrated by parents picking up and dropping off children at school.

Certificates and lollipops are being handed out whenever the angels see parents parking and driving safely and issuing warnings to parents whose driving is dangerous.

“Tickets are not the solution to the congestion and speed around schools and there are plenty of positive opportunities to help in our communities, ” says Councillor Linda Cooper, one of the council’s youth advocates.

“The council supplies public education, cones, high-visibility vests for crossing supervisors and we fund road safety scholarships for safety monitors in schools,” she says.

The angels’ role has developed out of the real-life experiences of parking wardens. They often find themselves witnessing distressing events such as assaults and on occasion attempted suicides. In a number of cases the parking angels have been instrumental in saving lives other than on the roads.

They also find ways to promote neighbourhood harmony.

Stephen Lamusitele recalls a recent occasion where his community assistance is likely to lead to an annual event in one street in Te Atatu South.

Stephen received a complaint about cars parking outside two houses which had stunning Christmas light displays. “Hundreds of locals showed up with children and overseas visitors and they blocked driveways, medians, left vehicles unattended, in fact it was pretty chaotic,” Stephen says.

“Although I did a bit of ticketing most people had a positive attitude because I let them know why I was there; helping people get safer parking and a good view, and reducing street congestion and noise. Things improved so much with my help that I was befriended by the neighbours and given hot and cold drinks, even dinner and I made a lot of friends. The whole experience turned out to be so positive for everyone” he says.

Other responsibilities of the Parking Angels include looking after abandoned, stolen or burnt-out vehicles and consulting with schools, businesses and churches on how to manage their parking and traffic flow issues. They are currently supporting a national campaign “Speed Kills Kids” and are part of Waitakere City’s drive to reduce driving speeds to 40kph around schools.

Community organisations needing road safety help and advice can contact the council call centre on 839 0400 for angelic assistance.

ENDS

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