Avoid that sinking feeling - stay off the verge

Verges 1 of 2

North Shore City Council is appealing to residents to nurture the berms and value the verges.

Mid-winter rains have made grass verges soft and prone to damage, and residents are being asked not to park vehicles where they can spoil the public verge and pose a danger to pedestrians and other road users.

The council's works and environment committee chairperson, Joel Cayford, is grateful to the majority of residents who care for the green area outside their gates, but he warns damage is being caused by a few who may not realise just how soft the ground can be at this time of year.

"We recognise that off-street parking is sometimes at a premium, but when the ground is soft the damage can be quite serious - and there's always the risk of harming underground services such as household water supply pipes and meters.

"If that happens, the vehicle owner could get a hefty repair bill - and people should be reminded that under the traffic regulations, it's illegal to park on the public footpath or verge," Councillor Cayford says.

"Because of the damage being caused, and the possibility that vehicles can cause a nuisance or a hazard when they're on the berm, we will be policing it more vigorously. So let's try and keep the city's verges as green and as pleasant as our gardens."

Tamping down and levelling wheel ruts with a rake can usually repair damaged berms, but more serious damage needs to be levelled and possibly refilled with soil and resown.

Councillor Cayford says the city also discourages residents from placing rocks or posts on the verge to try and prevent parking.

"This practice is illegal as it's a public place, and home owners could find themselves liable if somebody hurts themselves on these obstructions," he says.

Residents are reminded that they can call Actionline on 486 8600 if they have concerns about the issue.

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