AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL MEDIA RELEASE

7 March 2006

Committee recommends 24/7 bylaw for container trucks

Auckland City Council's Transport and Urban Linkages Committee is recommending extending the operating hours of an existing bylaw that restricts container trucks accessing Ports of Auckland via Tamaki Drive.

Heavy vehicles are currently restricted from turning left from Solent Street (at the port) into Tamaki Drive or turning right from Tamaki Drive into Solent Street between 8pm and 6am to encourage use of the motorway network rather than residential streets.

The committee is recommending that this bylaw be extended to 24 hours, seven days a week.

"This is a quality of life issue. We are aiming to return some tranquillity to the people living in affected areas of Remuera and Orakei by redirecting heavy trucks on to the motorway specifically designed for them," says Councillor Richard Simpson, chairperson of the Transport and Urban Linkages Committee.

"It is a very sensible option to correct the behaviour at the source, and it makes sense to extend an existing bylaw rather than applying bylaws to specific roads.

"Bylaws on specific roads tend to shift the problem into other areas. We want to resolve the issue, balancing the needs of the freight industry and residents," says Mr Simpson.

The committee's recommendation needs the endorsement of the council's Planning and Regulatory Committee and the full council before it will be publicly notified.

"There is still a process to go through before the bylaw can be extended. There are no guarantees, however, we need to explore the option," says Mr Simpson.

Council officers will continue to work with the New Zealand Road Transport Association and the freight industry to ensure self-regulation.

"We will continue to work with the freight industry to ensure port traffic is using the motorway network, and in particular Grafton Gully which was designed with heavy vehicles in mind," says Mr Simpson.

Residents of Orakei, Ngapipi and Kepa roads have been campaigning against container trucks using these roads for almost three years. During this time, council officers, residents and freight representatives have been working on localised initiatives including education campaigns, signage along the route and monitoring volumes of heavy vehicles.

"I'm confident that we can provide closure for the residents of Ngapipi, Kepa and Orakei roads. They have been patient and supportive of the initiatives that have led us to this decision," says Mr Simpson.

ENDS

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