Auckland Transport (AT) is calling for input from the public over proposed changes to on-street parking and kerbside spaces in the city centre. These changes are intended to make it easier to live, visit, and do business in the heart of Tāmaki Makaurau. Starting today, Aucklanders can have their say about proposed changes aimed at increasing the number of pick-up and drop-off spaces, mobility parks, taxi stands, loading zones, and parking spaces for motorcycles, bicycles, and scooters.
Genevieve Sage, Chairperson of the Waitematā Local Board, has strongly encouraged community involvement. “Although AT can’t add more kerb space to our already crowded roads, we can all have a say in what our existing kerb space is used for in central Auckland. We are eager to go back to basics and designate kerbside spaces to those who need it the most,” she stated.
Notably, AT’s Group Manager of Transport Network Planning and Policy, Andrew McGill, pointed out how community feedback has significantly influenced the proposed changes. “Aucklanders have told us they want more spaces for quick stops, pick-ups, and drop-offs, which is pretty universal feedback from residents, business owners, delivery drivers, and tradies,” McGill explained. His comments reflect the real-life challenges faced by people living, working, and visiting the city centre.
The current utilization of kerbside space reveals the pressing need for these changes; 58% is currently allocated for general parking, 21% for buses and coaches, and 11% for loading zones and drop-offs. This distribution has led to congestion and demand for more convenient access to city facilities. McGill also addressed the necessity for improving accessibility for individuals requiring mobility parks, stating, “We have also looked at options for increasing the number of mobility parks on city centre streets to make it easier for people who have more limited transport choices.”
The proposed modifications to kerbside space are not just minor tweaks; they reflect broad community consultation and are aimed at long-term urban planning. AT has taken the feedback to heart and is now putting together suggestions for how the kerbside space can be maximized for all users, from rideshare services and food delivery apps to those attending shows at the Aotea Centre or Civic Theatre.
“We are listening and eager to respond to what Aucklanders tell us about the importance of kerbside space,” McGill remarked. “Tell us how you would use this precious roadside space. What is best for your needs?” Through this input, Auckland Transport hopes to create a multi-year development plan dubbed Room to Move, which will incorporate changes based on the community's feedback and will adapt as the City Rail Link opens.
This public consultation period will run until 30 March 2025, and AT is encouraging all stakeholders, including city centre business leaders, residents, workers, couriers, and visitors to participate. The insights gathered during this time will be instrumental in shaping the future of the city’s transportation framework, ensuring it meets the needs of residents and visitors alike.
The aim is to cultivate an environment where urban mobility thrives, fostering accessibility and convenience within the heart of Auckland. By implementing these changes, the city centre can improve its functionality and cater to the diverse group of people who rely on its resources for daily life. Auckland’s vision for the future includes not just easy navigation for cars but also improved features for pedestrians, cyclists, public transport, and every type of road user.
With the city undergoing significant development and lifting its focus on sustainability, these proposed alterations represent timely and necessary adaptations to the urban environment. The community’s role is emphasized, as its input will guide the direction of urban mobility and help Auckland fulfil its potential as a leading modern urban space.