MEDIA RELEASE 12 December 2008

Council to consider parking restrictions to target boy racers

Christchurch City Council will next week consider introducing no stopping restrictions on Harper and Deans avenues to curb boy racer problems in the area.

Mayor Bob Parker says the community has come to Council through their community boards asking for the Council to implement no stopping restrictions from 11pm to 5am on the two streets.

“The community is concerned with safety, property damage, litter, vandalism, noise issues and the poor image of the city being generated by the congregation of boy racers in this area.”

Next Thursday’s (18 December) Council meeting will be asked to consider the stopping restriction, which police support along with its rigorous enforcement.

Mr Parker says Harper and Deans avenues form part of the gateway to the city and it is simply unacceptable to have the carnage left by boy racers lining the streets when tourists are travelling to and from the airport.

“Council is aware this measure could move the problem to another area of the city and we will be very vigilant in ensuring if this does occur then similar restriction are imposed.

“Christchurch has made a commitment to zero tolerance for violence and crime and our community has strongly signalled the type of destructive and violent behaviour exhibited by boy racers needs to be stamped out in our city.”

He says boy racers also impart fear in our community and this will not be tolerated by Council.

“We will do whatever is needed to ensure Christchurch is a safe community for our residents, visitors and tourists alike.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media