Media release from Cathy Casey
Seeking LGNZ support for berm parking ban
28 June 2019
A solution to the illegal berm parking that has plagued the Albert-Eden-Roskill ward in recent years could be close if Local Government New Zealand supports an Auckland Council remit at its annual conference next week.
Ward councillor Dr Cathy Casey is travelling to Wellington to gather support for the remit. She says, “Parking on urban berms is an issue that local people really care about, but Auckland Transport has limited powers to stop it without warning signage.”
At present any car obstructing the footpath can be towed, as can cars parked within 1m of a vehicle crossing. However, cars parked on the berm and not causing an obstruction cannot be towed without a sign saying ‘no parking’.
“We currently have the ludicrous situation where AT would have to put up a ‘No Parking’ sign along every berm, every 100m to be able to take action on offenders. We don’t want to become ‘Sign City’ so we need to change the legislation that requires this, which is what we are asking the other 78 councils to support.” says Councillor Cathy Casey.
Albert-Eden Local Board Chair Dr Peter Haynes says that since complaints started in 2017, the board has exhausted all means by which illegal berm parking might be policed. “The board has passed resolutions, we have spoken at committees, we have written to AT, NZTA and the Associate Minister of Transport. All say they have no power at law currently to deal with it. I am delighted that our ward councillor has taken the initiative to gain LGNZ support for a change to the national rules to allow us to ban berm parking in urban areas without signs everywhere. I wish her every success.”
I too want to park on the berm and do not support a ban. It seems yet again City Vision has only its own vision and is out of touch with the general public. Time to go…
Hi Lisa. Thanks for your feedback. I have looked into this issue closely. Berms that form part of the footpath are not designed for parking and most people are polite enough not to park there (distinct from grass verges on rural roads where it is legal and safe to park). It causes damage and is unsafe especially for children who often walk on berms. It is not about banning all berm parking as there may be exceptions where it is necessary but having clear, enforceable rules. Personally I think Auckland Transport already has the power to ticket for parking on berms but have taken the position that the rules need to be amended.
Pippa
Chair, Waitematā Local Board
We have yellow lines outside our home. We park two cars in our garage. The last 10 years we have on average had a vehicle (ours) at least one per year hit… When we have been legally parked outside our neighbours. When we park on the berm none of our vehicles have been hit. In 26 years living at our home. The council or whoever havent felt the need to dig it up. There have been no complaints about us damaging services which may be underground. We have mowed our berm and cared for it as long as we have been here. With a full house of adult children we do have more vehicles than most. Our family and i would not support a proposal to ban parking on berms. Regards.. Tuialii family.
Thanks Tuialii family for the feedback. Berms in urban areas are not designed to be parked on even if it is more convenient. The proposal will clarify the rules.
Whoever wants to make parking on Berms illegal will not win a vote here.. You can clear up your rules all you like. While youre at it you can come and mow our berms which we have been doing for years as civic minded community members. OR shall we let it grow and wait for a rule to clear that up as well…
I have had my car hit whilst parked ‘legally’, I have thought about parking on the berm outside my address, but decided against, knowing full well I will be ticketed. I have also put a orange cone next to my rear bumper at night, but was told I could be fined for using road works cones. My question is,, Will LGNZ help contribute to repair payment.
Hi Anne. Thanks for your feedback. It is always best to park legally. Berms are not intended for parking. The proposal will clear up the rules.
I do not support any ban on parking on berms. The berm serves no purpose for anyone and the council ask me to cut the grass for free!
I think we should be able to park on the berm.
Hi Ian. Thanks for looking after your berm. The proposal is to clarify the current rules. Berms are not meant to be used for parking. We would like the rules to be clear without the need for signage
Berms should be MADE for parking. The parking situation in Auckland is stressful enough as it is.
Hi Matt
Thanks for your feedback. Berms serve lots of functions- part of the footpath, reduce stormwater run off, location of utilities etc. Berms are not designed for parking on in urban locations.