North Shore Times (New Zealand)
MP’s solution to Auckland’s traffic woes
Northcote MP Jonathan Coleman might be as exasperated as his constituents are when it comes to communicating with Auckland Transport.
At a public meeting in his electorate on July 13, Coleman said Auckland Transport (AT) was ‘‘incredibly frustrating’’ to deal with.
‘‘I think it’s time that AT start listening to the community, particularly North Shore,’’ Coleman said at the meeting.
On July 19, Coleman reiterated his stance and said that AT’s ‘‘consultation style needs improvement’’.
AT is responsible for all of the region’s transport services from roads and footpaths, to cycling, parking and public transport.
Coleman said he has corresponded with AT on a number of issues.
His correspondence included suggesting, on several occasions, that a T2 trial be undertaken in the current T3 lanes on Onewa Rd.
‘‘The congestion on Onewa Rd is a real problem,’’ the National MP said.
Coleman said he was a supporter of public transport and that he was pleased with Birkenhead Transport’s double-decker buses that run on Onewa Rd at peak times.
‘‘But I think that AT do things on a very ideological basis: they want to make it uncomfortable being in a car.’’
Like some of his neighbours, Coleman takes issue with the
‘‘I think it's time that AT start listening to the community, particularly North Shore’’
Jonathan Coleman
cycleway installed in Northcote Point’s Queen Street.
‘‘Despite the opposition of local residents to the Queen Street cycleway, Auckland Transport has proceeded with the cycleway,’’ he said.
‘‘There are multiple judder bars and garish signs from the Bridgeway Cinema to the Northcote Tavern. This has destroyed the look of what is one of the few heritage streets in the electorate.
‘‘The problem is that there are very few cyclists travelling along Queen Street, so the alterations do not seem to be necessary at this stage.’’
As for reducing congestion from the North Shore, at the public meeting, Coleman said the solution to Auckland’s traffic problems includes more ferries, another harbour crossing, a trial of T2 lanes and smarter use of the roads - such as getting rid of parking that blocks lanes.