Residents put brakes on road ban
Banning vehicles from a stretch of Christchurch’s Summit Rd has failed to garner much support from the public.
Christchurch City Council in July proposed the restriction as a way to stop boy racers, vandalism, graffiti, diesel spills, fire and the dumping of rubbish, which residents and Summit Rd custodians have been complaining about for years.
But some say banning vehicles from the road four nights a week would not resolve the issue and would only move the problem elsewhere.
The public was consulted on the proposal to prohibit vehicles weighing under 3500 kilograms from an 18 kilometre stretch of Summit Rd between Rapaki and Gebbies Pass roads from 10pm to
5am on Thursdays through to Monday mornings and on public holidays.
About 865 people shared their views on the idea and 545 (63 per cent) did not support the plan, 221
(25 per cent) were in favour and another 99 were in support, but had some concerns.
Council staff have also recommended against the adoption of the proposal to ensure access remained open to all road users.
A hearings panel will meet today to discuss the submissions and the staff report before making a recommendation to the council.
Submitters were concerned the prohibition would restrict freedom of movement and prevent visitors and photographers from seeing the view.
People were also upset a minority were ruining it for the majority and some were concerned the restriction would not be enforced by police, as was proposed.
Christchurch Adventure Park general manager Anne Newman said she supported the restriction for the safety and protection of cyclists, walkers and outdoor enthusiasts.
‘‘The Port Hills are a valuable resource to the city and we fully support the council initiative to maintain their integrity.’’
Jeremy Simpson also supported the plan because he was ‘‘sick of idiots with their loud cars’’ abusing the road and making a mess.
Stephen O’Neill, who was involved in a running group that used hill tracks, said he often saw rubbish, burnouts and sometimes burnt-out or crashed cars along Summit Rd.
‘‘These ‘car enthusiasts’ show little respect for our hills and at times when we see them, they throw abuse our way.’’
He said he would love to see the hills cleaner and tidier.
However, Shane Murray said the proposal breached freedom of travel.
‘‘We pay for the roads to be used, not restricted. You can’t just restrict the road to everyone over a few. It’s part of Christchurch culture to go up the hills at night and enjoy the view. Please don’t take this away from us.’’
Tony Stewart, a professional photographer, said he did not support the plan because the hills gave the best vantage point for aurora shots.
Stefan Holmberg said the intentions of the proposal were decent, but the ban would unreasonably affect users of the road.
‘‘The problem associated with these antisocial drivers has also been overblown. It’s a few bad eggs ruining it for everyone.’’