On October 1, the government implemented new parking fines for the first time in 20 years, bringing them in line with inflation.
Those now caught misusing disabled parking will be fined $750 instead of the previous $150.
Waitaki District Council regulatory manager Andrew Bardsley said the new fees regime had no impact on the way the council dealt with errant Oamaru parkers.
"Waitaki District Council hasn't changed its approach to issuing parking infringements since the government's parking fine increases came into effect on October 1.
"We don't expect a significant change in the number of tickets issued from September to October."
Mr Bardsley said with the mobility parking penalty rising to $750 those who legitimately used mobility parking spaces would be forgiven if they had forgotten to display their permit.
"We would like to reassure badge-holders that if they forget to display their badge and get a ticket, we'll dismiss the ticket if they send us a copy of their badge to the email address on the ticket."
The same applied to those who parked, paid and had forgotten to display their ticket — or had accidentally put the wrong registration details into the PayMyPark app.
"If you can prove you've paid, then council will accept it and dismiss your ticket", he said.
Fines and infringements have risen either by or above inflation.
"We'd like to remind everyone to check they're parked in the right spot, that they've paid for their parking . . . and their tickets are displayed and are paid for the time they're there.
"Pay the parking fee, not the parking fine", Mr Bardsley said.
Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston announced the change in August and described the blatant misuse of mobility parks as the "epitome of arrogance".
Fees for towage and impoundment have also been updated.
