THE SANTA CLAUSE
Father Xmas wants e-scooters banned from light show
Santa Claus wants e-scooters banned from the footpath at the Christmas lights display on Ponsonby’s Franklin Rd. Well-known local identity and regular Santa, Hamish Keith, said that for most of December, the Auckland street was packed with families and young kids enjoying the Christmas spirit, and it was no place for electric scooters.
“I can see people doubling up on scooters to have a look at Christmas lights and ploughing down the footpath. It will be unsafe for everybody,” he said.
Keith wants to see e-scooters moved to new cycle lanes, which are part of the recently opened $22 million upgrade of one of Auckland’s most famous streets that features 100-year-old London plane trees and Victorian villas.
However, he understands it is not possible because e-scooters are not allowed to use bike lanes.
Keith said the cycle lane rule was a pity because the new footpaths are wider and safer. His message to people on e-scooters is “please don’t use scooters on the footpath amongst crowds of kids”.
He has tweeted Auckland Mayor Phil Goff and Auckland Transport asking for a temporary ban and help to move e-scooters to cycle lanes.
AT spokesman Mark
Hannan said his understanding was that e-scooters could be used on cycle paths which are not on the road. That would apply on Franklin Rd where the cycle path is separate, he said. The NZ Transport Agency regulation for e-scooters says they can be used on the footpath or on the road, “except in designated cycle lanes that are part of the road (which were designed for the sole use of cyclists)”.
Every year Franklin Rd residents light up their houses from December 1 until Boxing Day.
A different home is chosen each year to be the first to light up. Last year, the Topp Twins Dame Lynda and Dame Jools flicked the switch.
The celebrity “light turner-on” is a closely guarded secret until Auckland’s most festive street unveils its dazzling displays.
More than 150,000 people a year attend the light show, which runs until 11pm each night.