Tag: Auckland Transport

Cracking Down on Window Washers

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Tougher Line to be taken

 

From Auckland Council – and to be distributed widely please:

Crackdown on window washers for public safety

 

Auckland Council is clamping down on window washers’ intimidating behaviour at intersections throughout the city and is targeting repeat offenders.

The council has begun pursuing the prosecution of window washers found to be in breach of the Public Safety and Nuisance Bylaw. The bylaw, which came into effect six months ago, was designed to protect the public from nuisance but, after taking a graduated enforcement approach, council officers have had to take a harder line.

“When the bylaw first came in staff took an educational approach with offenders, focusing on voluntary compliance. However this has not deterred people window washing in an unsafe way, which makes drivers feel uncomfortable and even threatened, so council is taking a tougher line,” says Max Wilde, Manager Bylaws and Compliance.

As the lead agency for enforcement on window washing, council is working closely with the Police to address problem hotspots around the region where there has been a noticeable increase in window washers. As part of a targeted approach to tackle this continuing issue and better protect public safety, an increase in enforcement activity is expected. The court can impose a fine of up to $20,000 on a person convicted of breaching a bylaw under the Local Government Act.

The Public Safety and Nuisance Bylaw is in place to make sure public spaces feel safe and are convenient for people to use and enjoy without being disturbed or experiencing offensive behaviour. Auckland Council wants to ensure that residents and visitors to the region can freely drive on public roads and enjoy shopping and other activities in public areas without feeling intimidated or unsafe in any way.

 

 

What to do if you encounter a window washer:

  • Make it clear that you don’t want your window washed – shake your head or say no
  • Roll up your car windows and don’t engage in conversation
  • If they continue to wash your car and demand payment in an intimidating way, make a complaint to the council by phoning 09 301 0101
  • Take a photo on your phone of the offender if you feel unsafe and send to the council or Police
  • In cases of criminal activity such as assault or wilful damage, call 111.

 

 

—-ends—-

 

Mayor Caught Short on Airport Rail

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Hmmmmmm

 

Yesterday a few of us saw this Tweet from Mayor Len Brown:

 

Effectively I Tweeted right back to the Mayor that what he Tweeted was rather rich by his own doing. In other words the Mayor once had the Airport Rail (from Onehunga) as Priority Two right behind the City Rail Link as Priority One (Airport Rail needs the CRL first to stop congestion between Newmarket and Britomart) but is now Priority NOTHING with the East West road Link now Priority Two.

 

Transport Blog did a piece on the Airport Rail falling to the wayside here: What Is Happening With Airport Rail?

 

So the Mayor gets caught short in a case of all words and no action…

 

Otahuhu and Manukau Transport Interchange Confusion

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Still no clear communication from Auckland Transport

 

Source: Auckland Transport
Source: Auckland Transport

Otahuhu Interchange goes ahead but there is a catch Podcast

 

The excerpt from communications with Auckland Transport:

At the moment, Auckland Transport are operating in a very uncertain funding environment as they deal with potentially lower LTP capital expenditure in the Basic Transport Network (BTN) versus that in the Auckland Plan Transport Network (APTN). 

Auckland Transport have opted to progress design and potentially early works (within funding) on projects that would be funded in earlier years under the APTN to ensure momentum is not lost. 

And in the case of these two projects, the following would be the desired timeline without the constrained BTN funding:

  • Construction on the Manukau Bus Interchange project would start in the 1st quarter of 2015 with target completion in late 2015. Currently, the detailed design process is underway.
  • Construction of the Otahuhu Bus Train Interchange would start later this month with expected completion in late 2015. Currently, the detailed design process is underway.

 

In addition, Auckland Transport are currently exploring re-prioritisation options for these 2 projects.  As this is currently being worked through, no update to the draft LTP has been made. If re-prioritisation cannot be achieved in 2014/15 and in the early years of the LTP, Auckland Transport would only deliver on initial improvements within the current funding, with the delivery of full specification in 2020/21. 

Current Basic Transport Network (the Mayors proposal) budgeted figures:

Manukau Bus Interchange

  • We have design funding of $3.8m in 2014/15
  • Then there is no funding provided in the BTN programme until 2020/21
  • Total required funding is planned at $23.9m (inflated)

Otahuhu Bus Train Interchange

  • We have design and some early works funding of $6.3m in 2014/15
  • Then there is no funding provided in the BTN programme until 2020/21
  • Total required funding is planned at $26.8m (inflated)

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The BTN vs APTN Funding Situation

 

Context and Historic Posts on the Otahuhu and Manukau Interchange Situation (from oldest to newest)

Public Transport Projects Being Used as Political Weapons?

Update on Otahuhu Interchange

Otahuhu Interchange Proceeds

 

Updates as information comes to hand