Auckland Transport reviewing berms policy

Friday, 14 February, 2014 – 13:43

Auckland Transport is reviewing its policy and guidelines for planting of vegetation on grass berms.

The current policy is that planting is not permitted as it may create safety hazards (impairing sight lines, covering signage etc); cause damage to underground services such as sewerage, water and power; and increase on-going road corridor maintenance costs, if planting is abandoned by the homeowner.

Auckland Transport Chief Operations Officer, Greg Edmonds, says the organisation is aware of a number of residents and businesses who have planted berms outside their property.

“We will not take any action in terms of removal whilst we are reviewing the policy unless those plantings pose a very real safety risk”, he says.

“We will be taking a customer-focussed and pragmatic approach to our review, in consultation with Auckland Council; however safety for road users, pedestrians and cyclists will be paramount as will be managing the cost of on-going road corridor maintenance.”