Operators of a mobile trading business took the opportunity presented council's annual plan hearings to personally tell councillors what they think of the 230 per cent increase in fees for the city's mobile traders.

Ricky Lee and Anna Lawrence spent thousands of dollars fitting out a caravan for last summer's crowds, only to be denied access to roadsides by the city council on December 27.

Dutch Queen owners Anna Lawrence and Ricky Lee are opposing the proposed 230 per cent increase in fees.

Because of city council rules they can only operate at private events at the moment, and are now being asked to pay an annual fee of $750 instead of $250.

'Not only are we paying for next to nothing but we are paying an increased amount,” says Anna.

Their regime shows quite clearly that the city council wants to discourage the use of mobile shops. It reflects a short-sighted view as the council continually fail to recognise that if managed properly, mobile shops can enhance a city and build a greater sense of community while increasing small businesses, says Anna.

Cr Gail McIntosh told her the increase was to cover staff time.

Anna says the result will be that staff will have more time, because there won't be as many applications to process.

Putting the price up from $250 to $750 a year is excessive and can only be taken as an indication that city council is not interested in encouraging mobile traders, says Anna.

Read more about the pair's mobile trading here.

Another submitter Richard Prince says his business will no longer consider paying for the council licence.

He makes mobile kitchens for use at events - Mobella Kitchens on Wheels Ltd - and says the $250 a year charge was something they would pay, but they will not pay the increase.

Mobile traders caravans have to meet stringent criteria, says Richard. They have to contain all water and all waste.

'This is not a cheap option,” says Richard.

Mobella's main business is functions. They currently hold a mobile trader's licence, but they don't need it.

The argument that the fee increase will make things fairer for rate paying fixed shops he demolished, saying if the council is so concerned about the ratepayers livelihood they should have reduced rates – rather than reducing the competition by crimping mobile traders income, or at worst putting them out of business.

Shops pay rates for services; water, sewerage, storm water, power. Council's role is to charge for the services they provide – and no services are provided to mobile traders, says Richard.

Jackson Maynard, trading as Mr Barista, will also be speaking to his submission against the fee increase, saying the 230 per cent licence increase is on the back of a series of council imposed restrictions to trade.

He's been restricted from trading in certain locations. Where he trades was first restricted to one hour, then 15 minutes. The number of traders per park or reserve is also restricted, with additional costs imposed in the form of tenders for limited spaces and additional fees charged for some locations.

Now the fee is increased 230 per cent and he wants to know what he gets for the money.

Kathy Steed's submission wants the council to revoke the right of mobile shops to take up precious car parks at Mount Maunganui's Main Beach.

There are now 12 car parks reserved for traders and she says they give the impression of a shanty town.

'It is truly horrible and saddens me greatly,” says Kathy.

She says a family car loads going to the beach with all the associated water toys really need the car parks. The slopes of Mount Drury would be a better place for them to blend in.