Category: Hot Discussion

An issue causing hot discussion either here in the blog or in the wider community

Weekend Transport Open Mic

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This weekend as we know Auckland is hosting a series of events (NRL 9’s, The Rapture Concert last night, and the Lantern Festival) which is causing pressure on our transport system (private and public).

I am hearing both positive and negative comments from yesterday and no doubt today. Just to put it out there by 3pm yesterday Britomart Station had “processed” 17,000 people through the Gate-Line that were heading OUTBOUND. The numbers do not include inbound or Line Transfers (Eastern Line to Western Line as an example). That is record-breaking numbers – even breaking the Rugby World Cup opening night (a night I tend to forget).

 

That said I am opening this post for your comments and feedback from the weekend events on transport. Whether on the road, waiting for a bus, or on the train this weekend leave your comments below. Please remember The Rules when posting. Also if you are a first time commenter your comments are held in moderation until I approve or reject them. Once approved you are free to comment on the blog.

 

So I leave the mic to you. Auckland Council and Auckland Transport do watch the blog so no doubt they will see your comments. Again play the ball not the man please in your comments. I am off to hit the South Western Motorway to avoid Southern Motorway traffic so wish me luck there.

 

Over to you – the reader.

 

Auckland Transport to Review Berm Policy

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One More Time with the Berms

 

Auckland Transport dropped a release this afternoon stating it was actively reviewing its berm policy.

From Voxy:

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.”

—ends—

Source: http://www.voxy.co.nz/lifestyle/auckland-transport-reviewing-berms-policy/5/181537

 

Lets hope a more pragmatic policy comes out of the review. Providing health and safety of fellow road users is not compromised, and that the modified berm is maintained then I see no issue with berm plantings – which are common in the EU and North America.

 

Auckland Development Committee – February 2014

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Agenda for February 2014

 

The agenda and attachments for the February Auckland Development Committee is now up for your reading pleasure. Taking a glance through it I see the Committee this month is dealing with the nitty-gritty business of Plan Changes across the City – including setting a scoping task for industrial land to be zoned west of State Highway 20 at Wiri (currently market gardens).

You can read the agenda (207 pages + attachments) below with the further attachments here: http://infocouncil.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Open/2014/02/AUC_20140213_ATT_4737_EXCLUDED_WEB.HTM

Agenda

 

At the same time the Committee will be ratifying the November Minutes which means the Manukau site visit becomes official “policy” of the Council. Meaning now we try to get a date set soon for the visit.

Those who have read my Civics series would know that the Auckland Development Committee is where I am usually found. Looking at the agenda the material does look incredibly boring I’ll give you that. But this kind of work with Plan Changes and scoping exercises is often the bread and butter stuff this Committee will be dealing with from time to time. Do they changes affect you? Yes they do as it could allow the development of an industrial site (jobs), residential centre, or even parks and conservation spaces.

 

Live commentary and Tweeting will be running from the Committee. And will Councillors answer their emails please……