11 July 2001

A trial by Auckland City Council to help alleviate inner-city residents’ carparking problems has been successful in freeing up space outside their homes.

It introduced time-restricted zones in certain streets in Freemans Bay and St Marys Bay, which saw residents issued with exemption permits. The six-month trial is now in its second month.

The trial was introduced because residents in some inner-city streets without off-street parking had struggled to park near their own homes because of commuters taking over the space during the day.

Councillor Catherine Harland, the chairwoman of the Council’s Transport and Roading Committee, said the time restrictions of two hours in residential areas and 60 minutes close to business zones were having an effect.

“Residents and visitors have found it easier to park and there continues to be provision for unrestricted areas for commuter and non-permitted resident parking,” she said.

The shift in parking patterns has not resulted in major parking difficulties in adjacent streets to the trial zones and the low level of complaints suggests the initiative has been successful.

As part of the project, traffic safety measures have been implemented, including broken yellow lines close to intersections or corners with visibility problems, time restrictions around schools and limit lines around vehicle access points.

“These traffic safety measures have also been wellreceived and assist traffic flow as well as parking,” says Councillor Harland.

The trial will continue to be closely monitored and a satisfaction survey undertaken.

ENDS

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