Tag: Auckland

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.

 

Do Not Forget Your Unitary Plan, and Annual Plan Submissions

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Have Your Say

 

Do not forget to send in your submissions for both the Unitary Plan and the Draft Annual Plan 2014/2015 by their respective dates.

The Unitary Plan deadline is close of business on the 28th February while the Draft Annual Plan 2014/2015 deadline is 4pm Monday 24th February.

 

All your Unitary Plan information can be found at these two websites:

 

Be aware that to participate in the second submission round and the hearings later next year you MUST have sent in your first submission by the end of this month.

 

The Draft Annual Plan 2014/2015 (the annual budget document) can be found here: http://www.annualplan.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/

Again to attend the hearings panel or forums on the Annual Plan you must have your formal submission handed in by the deadline first.

 

More chances to submit will be out later in the year when the Area Plans and Local Board Plan come out as well – so stay tuned