Residents of Stewart Island/Rakiura may soon be facing a big-city problem — stricter parking enforcement.

The issue has arisen on the back of people parking for extended periods in popular parts of the island, sometimes for months at a time.

A report prepared for a Southland District Council meeting on Wednesday noted the main reasons for extended parking was either shift work or leaving the island.

It said “evolving needs and use of parking on the island” showed restrictions could be necessary in some areas.

As such, council staff have made a recommendation for 30 new parking restrictions to be put in place alongside adjustments to 16 existing restrictions.

The changes would apply to day parking, but did not accommodate those wanting to park for more than 12 hours at a time.

“This will require those leaving the island for longer periods to consider alternative options which do not rely on leaving their vehicle in the town centre,” the report said.

Oban was noted as being the main problem area, with Golden Bay — a 1km drive away — also contributing.

With parking enforcement not undertaken by the council throughout the district, Police had indicated they would be willing to step in and enforce on behalf.

That move would require aligning the bylaw — set to be discussed at council on Wednesday — with parking restrictions on the island.

Councillors will be asked to endorse a consultation for the bylaw which would take place between 10 October and 8 November.

Other adjustments put forward for that process include removing a car park on Elgin St and one-way changes to streets near Observation Rock.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air