Auckland City Council will reintroduce a charge for contractors who damage roads and footpaths during construction activities.

The Planning and Regulatory Committee decided at last Friday’s meeting to amend the Auckland City Consolidated Bylaw 1998 and refer it to the Council for adoption.

Planning and Regulatory Committee chairperson Juliet Yates said she was delighted with the change.

“For too long, the Council has been hearing complaints from the public about the dangers of damaged footpaths.”

“Building contractors have a duty to avoid any health and safety risks to pedestrians and motorists when they build, and this bylaw change will encourage that,” she said.

“Contractors are causing significant damage to council-owned assets and services to properties, costing ratepayers up to $400,000 per year.”

“Preventing this occurring and ensuring any damage is quickly repaired is consistent with the Council’s strategy of making the city safer for everyone.”

Councillor Yates said the Auckland construction industry, including the Heavy Haulage and Master Builders Associations were consulted on options. Overall, responses indicated that a standard fee or bond would be the preferred option, as companies felt this was easy to include in their up-front costs to clients.

Street damage deposits will be charged according to the value of the work. If there is unlikely to be street damage then no deposit will be charged and the Council will refund any deposits if there are no damage costs incurred.

Auckland City staff will check the site during their normal inspections and can take steps to ensure remedial work is undertaken both during and after construction.

Complaints about street damage will be logged at the Council’s call centre and the owner of the site requested to repair the damage within 48 hours. If the damage is considered to be dangerous, then the owner will be asked to repair it immediately.

Under the current system, the practice of the council carrying out any repairs and then seeking reimbursement from the contractors has proved unsatisfactory and inefficient.

ENDS

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