Owners of fuel efficient cars rewarded in Christchurch

Owners of a car with the fuel economy of 5.5 or 6 stars can now apply for an extra hour of free parking at the Council’s car parking buildings.

Mayor Bob Parker says this is just one of the first of 28 sustainable energy initiatives that the Council is running at no cost to the rate payer.

The funding for these initiatives has come from the sale of carbon credits and were the direct result of renewable energy projects that the Council started a few years ago, mainly from the capture, burning and energy use of methane gas from Burwood landfill.

“This free car parking initiative rewards those with high fuel economy cars. Cars with the 5.5 and 6 stars rating are far less polluting, and as a result are far better for the environment and Christchurch’s health.

To find if your car has the star rating, have a look at fuelsaver.govt.nz.

To claim the free parking the car owners need a special sticker to put on the car. This sticker is available by filling in the application form on the website, www.ccc.govt.nz/parking, picking up a form from the Council offices, or calling the Council on 03 951 8666.

The Council will send you a sticker that is valid for a year.

The car parking buildings that the free hour can be claimed at are: The Art Gallery, Tuam Street, Kilmore Street, Manchester Street, Crossing Car Park, Oxford Terrace, Lichfield street, Farmers Car Park and Hospital Car Park. The offer doesn’t include on-street parking.