Towing and Clamping Policy

This policy applies to all vehicles parked on the University campus.

To provide an effective and safe method of ensuring that the University’s car parks, roads and other areas are free from obstruction and are safe for all users. This policy will help to ensure that vehicles that park on the University campus comply with University parking terms and conditions.

Parking requirements

1. All staff, student, contractors and visitors must comply with the University‘s car parking terms and conditions.

2. All vehicles are parked at the sole risk of the owner or driver and the University will not be liable for any loss or damage to vehicles.

3. Drivers and riders must obey all markings and signs on the University campus and any directions which may be given by any authorised person such as a security officer or parking attendant.

4. Any road marking or car parking signs must be read prior to entering a car park.

5. By entering the car park the driver agrees to the terms and conditions displayed.

6. Vehicles must only park within the spaces that are specifically marked out for parking vehicles.

7. All vehicles parked within the University’s campus must display a valid University permit.

Note: The only exception to this rule is in the OGGB car park.

8. The permit must be displayed in accordance with the issuing instruction.

9. Vehicles with permits must only park in those areas designated on their parking permit.

Note: The issuing of a parking permit does not guarantee that a parking space is available. The permit merely authorises a vehicle to be parked in a certain area if spaces are available at the time.

Non – compliance

10. Any vehicles that do not comply with this policy will be issued a written warning and the warning placed on the windscreen of the non-complying vehicle.

11. This warning will remain on the vehicle for a period of one hour. After that period expires the vehicle may be towed or clamped.

12. The details of the vehicle will be recorded and held on file.

13. The written warning will contain what the subsequent repercussions will be if non-compliance continues.

14. Towing and clamping will only take place where there is adequate signage warning members that their vehicles will be towed or clamped.

15. If there are no warning signs then towing or clamping must not happen unless one of these breaches has occurred:

The following is a list of breaches where a vehicle will be towed or clamped without warning:

• parking in a reserved bay
• parking in an area not designated as a parking space
• parking in a disabled parking space
• parking and displaying a false or copied permit not issued officially through the Property Services Car Park Office
• obstructing other vehicles, entranceways, footpaths or buildings, or parking in an unsafe manner

16. Under no circumstances are vehicles to be towed, clamped or warned by University staff. This is the responsibility of Auckland Council and Auckland Transport.

Clamping

17. Clamping can only be performed by those that have been trained to use a clamp and all staff that clamp vehicles must be in possession of a current COA (Security Licence).

18. Clamping can only be authorised by Security Team Leaders (Deputies in their absence), Car park Controller, Security Services Manager, Campus Operations & Security Manager and above within Property Services.

19. The only clamps that can be used are those approved by the University and meet industry approved standards.

20. When a vehicle has been clamped a sticker must be placed in the centre of the windscreen so it can be easily viewed by the owner/driver.

21. After a vehicle has been clamped attempts must be made to contact the owner/driver to advise them of the clamp. If unable to locate or contact the owner / driver then instructions on how to have the vehicle released must be left with the vehicle.

22. Vehicles will not be released until the release fee has been paid or approval to release without payment granted by the Security Services Manager or above within Property Services.

23. Although all care will be taken when vehicles are clamped the University will not be liable for any damage as a result of the vehicle been clamped or the owner attempting to remove the clamp or driving off with the vehicle still clamped.

24. Vehicles will only be clamped for a 24 hour period. Failure to pay for the vehicle to be released within the 24 hour period will result in the vehicle been towed at the owners expense. The owner/driver will then be liable for the clamping fee and towage fee before release of the vehicle is granted.

25. The release fee must be paid at the Security Office. A receipt will be issued and the vehicle will be released as soon as a Security Officer or other Property Services representative becomes available.

26. If an owner or driver attempts to remove a clamp without paying the release fee then he or she is liable for the replacement cost of the clamp and a Wilful Damage/Theft complaint will be made to the Police.

Towing

27. Towing of vehicles will only be conducted by towing companies authorised by the University.

28. Towing can only be authorised by Security Team Leaders (Deputies in their absence), Car park Controller, Security Services Manager, Campus Operations & Security Manager and above within Property Services.

29. The University does not accept responsibility for damage to a vehicle when towed. This is a matter solely between the tower and owner.

30. Attempts will be made to contact an owner or driver of a towed vehicle, however the University is under no obligation to do so, and it is the member’s responsibility to contact Security to gain details of where they can uplift the towed vehicle.

31. It is the member’s responsibility to ensure that they can safely retrieve the vehicle from the towing company. The University does not accept any liability in the event of an incident occurring while the member attempts to retrieve the vehicle. If it is night-time it is advised that the member is accompanied by someone they know if walking to retrieve vehicle. Security can assist with calling a taxi or making other calls on behalf of the member.

32. The University has no involvement in the setting of the towing fee. This is purely between the member and the towing company.

Appeals

33. You have the right to appeal. An appeals form needs to be completed within 7 working days after paying the release fee. Your appeal will be reviewed by the appeals committee and the outcome relayed to you in due course.

The following definitions apply to this document:

Authorised person is a person authorised by the Vice-Chancellor to enforce the provisions of this policy.

Campus includes all land owned, occupied or used by the University and includes leased or licensed land or buildings.

Car parks are designated, marked parking areas within the University’s Campus.

Clamping means a locking device fitted to the wheel or wheels of an illegally parked vehicle in order to immobilise it.

Member means any staff, student, contractor or visitor to the University.

Parking for the purpose of clarity the University adopts the same definition for parking as outlined in the Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004 where “road” is deemed to include all land on any Campus.

Note: As at 1 January 2009 this definition of parking was:

In relation to a portion of a road where parking is for the time being governed by the location of parking meters or vending machines placed under the authority of a bylaw of a local authority, the stopping or standing of a vehicle on that portion of the road for any period exceeding 5 minutes;
In relation to any other portion of a road, the stopping or standing of a vehicle (other than a vehicle picking up or setting down passengers in a loading zone or reserved parking area, and entitled to do so) on that portion of the road

Permit means a written authority from the University with or without prescribed conditions and charges.

Towing means the removal of an illegally parked vehicle by the means of a tow truck or other vehicle.

University vehicle(s) include cars (primarily people-carrying, including saloons, station wagons, hatchbacks, estate vehicles), vans (primarily not people-carrying, including single and double cab), utilities, trucks, trailers, boat trailers, motorcycles, motor scooters, quad bikes, motorised boats, forklifts, mini vans, and grounds maintenance equipment (including ride on mowers, tractors, flat deck mowers, for example) that are owned or leased by the University.

University means the University of Auckland and includes all subsidiaries.

Content manager: Commercial Manager, Property Services
Owner: Director Property Services
Date approved: August 2014
Review date: August 2019