18 February 2013

Draft bylaws aimed at keeping Aucklanders safe

Auckland Council and Auckland Transport are seeking feedback on draft bylaws aimed at minimising nuisance, obstructive or unsafe activities in our public places.

Submissions are now open on the proposed public safety and nuisance bylaws.

The new bylaws will replace the 11 different sets of rules Auckland Council and Auckland Transport inherited from legacy councils relating to public safety and nuisance in public places, including parks, beaches, roads and public transport infrastructure.

Two bylaws are required to ensure that the same rules will apply in the areas that are controlled by Auckland Council, such as parks and beaches, and Auckland Transport.

These bylaws are intended to:
• control the perceived problems from activities or uses that create nuisance and inappropriate behaviour and impact on public safety
• control the perceived problems from activities that cause obstructions and damage to public places
• manage the use of beaches, local and regional parks, and public transport infrastructure, such as bus shelters, train stations, ferry wharves
• manage street naming and numbering.

These bylaws do not cover use of public places that is related to street trading, such as outdoor dining tables and chairs. This will be dealt with by the trading in public places policy and bylaws that are in the early stages of development.

The bylaws support one of the main outcomes of the Auckland Plan, which is to create a fair, safe and healthy Auckland. They will also help council and Auckland Transport to protect the assets such as park benches and bus shelters that we manage on behalf of the community.

The changes may come into effect from late in 2013.

For more information and to make a submission on the proposed public safety and nuisance bylaws go to www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/bylaws.

A copy of the full draft bylaws and submission form can also be found at:

• all Auckland Council libraries, service centres and local board offices
• by phoning our customer services team on 09 301 0101.

Submissions close 4pm, 15 March 2013.

ENDS

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