Council loses first round on berm ban

Auckland Council has failed to get support from other councils for a law change to ban parking on berms.

Waitemata¯ Local Board chairwoman Pippa Coom tweeted that a remit in support of the ban at the Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) conference yesterday had been lost, with provincial councils speaking against it.

The loss is a blow for supporters of the ban in Auckland, who include Mayor Phil Goff and Auckland Transport (AT), but there is nothing to stop them lobbying Government directly for a law change.

AT is campaigning for a law change allowing it to fine people for parking on grass roadside berms that lack “no parking” signs.

AT’s Traffic Bylaw prohibits parking on grass berms. But Land Transport Act rules mean “no parking” signs must be installed every 100m to enforce the ban.

Coom, on behalf of the council, sought support at the LGNZ conference in Wellington to lobby central Government for a law change.

She earlier told the Herald that parking on berms could damage underground utilities, create safety issues for footpath users and rip up the grass, preventing berms from soaking up and filtering stormwater.

“If parking is an issue, then that needs to be addressed. Parking on berms should not be a solution.

“And having to install signs at 100m intervals . . . is just farcical. We are seeking legislation change to clarify the rules to allow councils to prohibit parking on berms in urban areas if they choose.”

Between August 2016 and August 2018, AT received 840 safety complaints from the public about berm parking.

The Automobile Association opposes any blanket ban. Spokesman Mark Stockdale said sweeping prohibitions would create problems for car owners.

“At the moment parking on berms is very accepted in some areas.”