Park ‘n ride on Reflection Drive
Ferry commuters filling up parks in residential streets in West Auckland are causing headaches for those who live nearby.
Residents on Reflection Drive in West Harbour said the street is packed with cars most weekdays, especially during summer, as ferry commuters park in the street for the day. Clearwater Cove, the street leading down to the marina, is also usually full with commuters’ cars.
On Reflection Drive residents said the issue had got worse over the last year and meant cars could only enter and exit the street one at a time.
Resident John Dhanaraj said on occasion courier drivers and even a rubbish truck had been unable to enter the street due to parked cars.
Indra Dhanaraj said it was also ‘‘tight’’ on occasion getting out of their driveway.
Resident Mike Gilmour said since yellow lines had been painted at at the street entrance and further down, things had got a ‘‘bit better’’, as residents used to have to reverse to let another car pass.
‘‘You used to have to back halfway down the street to let someone through.’’
However, resident Jude Lim said the getting in and out of the street due to parked cars was still an issue most weekdays.
Being unable to see the oncoming traffic on Clearwater Cove when turning out of the street was also a problem, Indra said.
Auckland Transport (AT) spokesman James Ireland said earlier this year broken yellow lines were added to the street to improve visibility at the intersection and discourage inconsiderate parking along the road.
Parking on Reflection Drive is subject to the same rules as any non-paid on-street parking, he said. As long as the drivers park according to the rules, they are entitled to park there.
Ireland said AT has been working with the ferry operator on how parking can be improved in the area but currently there are no plans to implement additional parking. At the Park and Ride near the ferry terminal there are 38 car parks. Morning peak traffic on the West Harbour ferry averages 270 passengers across the first five services. Ireland said if there are any cars parked illegally, including being parked within a metre of a driveway, or residents were concerned about safety, they could contact AT.