MEDIA RELEASE

Councillor Ann Hartley

Auckland Council

Reinvest in city footpaths for safety

8 June 2012

In her latest Facebook posting, Auckland Councillor Ann Hartley is promoting reinvesting the $10m of public money - currently used to fund contractors to mow street berms outside private properties – on fixing footpaths for greater pedestrian safety.

Mrs Hartley was commenting after councillors yesterday received a report from Auckland Transport which highlighted an anomaly where some Aucklanders get their berms mowed while others do not.

“I believe this needs to stop now as the former North Shore, Waitakere and Manukau councils did not mow berms outside private properties and residents took the five minutes or so to do it themselves and they ensured their communities’ roading budgets went that much further.

“In the Auckland City Council legacy area, berms are still mowed but, ironically, these appear to be the same suburbs in which residents complain about footpaths not being up to scratch. I suggest we apply the berm money to upgrading the footpaths and put public safety and fiscal prudence before unnecessary expense.

“I don't believe it is a hardship to mow the berm outside your own property or help out those neighbours who may not be able to do it themselves.”

ENDS