Footpath Parking Poses Perils

MEDIA RELEASE 24th August 2007

Inner-city and suburban parking is a growing problem which affects urban areas around the world as car use increases. Wellington is no exception.

This does not just affect motorists who may be blocked in or put in danger from illegally parked vehicles, but also pedestrians whose mobility and enjoyment of the streets is hampered by illegal parking. Liz Thomas, Wellington resident and Director of Living Streets says “Incorrectly parked vehicles are forcing Wellington citizens, including children, the elderly and mobility impaired people, to cross roads at dangerous points or step out onto the tarmac when the footpath is blocked by cars.”

In particular, Lambton Quay and Kent and Cambridge Terrace are areas where illegal parking inhibits foot traffic flow. Vehicles parking on the footpath over time damages its structure and surface, as the footpath is designed and built for people, not cars, This is particularly a problem for the mobility impaired, who may find no viable path around illegally or incorrectly parked vehicles. The southern coast of Wellington is also an area which is especially affected by these problems.

Living Streets Wellington is addressing the issue this Monday the 27th of August with Parkwise, Wellington City Council’s parking enforcement agency, in a public meeting at 6pm in the Wellington City Council meeting rooms at 101 Wakefield Street. The meeting is hoped to provide a mutually beneficial occasion to discuss the problem of illegal parking and its enforcement and provide solutions for the Wellington district. All are invited to attend.

Living Streets Aotearoa supports more community friendly streets - attractive environments, street trees, more moderate speeds and better land use so destinations are closer to people's homes.

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