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Amendment of the traffic bylaw 2007

From City Scene, published on 16 November 2008

Summary of information

The council resolved at its meeting on 23 October 2008 to undertake the special consultative process under the Local Government Act 2002 to invite submissions on its proposals to amend the Auckland City Council Traffic Bylaw 2007.

For more information on how to make a submission on this proposal, see the section at the end of this document.

The council's traffic bylaw came into effect on 31 March 2007. The purpose of the bylaw is to facilitate traffic management and parking control measures in respect of roads, public places, parking areas and transport stations under the control of the council.

It provides measures to ensure that acceptable standards are maintained for the safe and orderly movement of traffic within the isthmus and the Hauraki Gulf islands.

The traffic bylaw 2007 is subject to ongoing review to ensure that it meets its purpose. It is appropriate that the council considers the effectiveness of the traffic bylaw since it came into effect and, where appropriate, to make amendments.

The current restriction in the bylaw on the use of roads by four-wheel drive vehicles refer to Great Barrier Island only. It is proposed to expand this restriction to include all the Hauraki Gulf islands.

In addition, there are a number of roads on the Hauraki Gulf islands that are unsuitable for the use of most types of vehicles, including large four-wheel drive vehicles, but are suitable for use by all-terrain vehicles (quad bikes) and motorcycles.

It is proposed to regulate the use of certain roads that are not suited for use by all vehicles on the Hauraki Gulf islands and allow these roads to be used only by all-terrain vehicles (quad bikes) and motorcycles.

The traffic bylaw 2007 allows the council to specify certain uses of roads by resolution, for example where bus or cycle lanes may be demarcated.

There are a number of other clauses that prohibit or restrict the use of roads (for example roads for one-way traffic or restricting left or right turning on roads) but there are no provisions in the bylaw that authorise the council to use resolutions.

The current approach of the traffic bylaw is inconsistent and it is desirable to amend the bylaw to allow the council to make decisions by resolution.

It is proposed to revoke all the schedules to the bylaw to allow the council to use resolutions for decisions.

This is to ensure consistency throughout the bylaw. Schedules as part of the bylaw have been used for one-way streets and prohibited access by heavy motor vehicles, but not for other restrictions such as speed limits, parking, turning restrictions or special vehicle lanes.

It is proposed that the conflict in the traffic bylaw with the Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004 that allows vehicles to use special vehicle lanes for the purpose of turning into side roads or properties fronting on roads be removed to conform with the rule.

It is proposed that the definitions of "resident's exemption permit" and "road" be amended to improve the drafting and provide clarity.

Making a submission

You are invited to make written submissions on any of the above proposals.

The written submission period begins on 17 November and closes on 19 December. Any person may make a submission on this proposal.

A copy of the proposed bylaw, statement of proposal - which provides the reasons for the proposed bylaws and analysis that has gone into their development - and submission forms are available from:

  • Auckland City Council service centre, 35 Graham St, central city
  • Waiheke Island service centre, 10 Belgium Street, Ostend
  • Great Barrier Island service centre, Hector Sanderson Road, Claris
  • level 11, Civic Administration Building, 1 Greys Avenue, central city
  • online submissions
  • all Auckland City Council libraries.

Submissions may be lodged:

  • by post, to Auckland City Council, Private Bag 92516 Wellesley Street, Auckland 1141 (attention: manager, city planning)
  • online (conditions apply, see this site)
  • at level 11, Civic Administration Building, 1 Greys Avenue, central city, or at Waiheke or Great Barrier service centres (addresses listed above).

Phone Auckland City Council if you have any questions about the proposals or the submission process.