2am ticketing 'does not make sense'

Auckland Transport is sticking by the decision, saying the road is not considered narrow. Photo / Doug Sherring

AA says fining drivers for parking on kerb of narrow road not constructive.

Auckland Transport should have exercised discretion before ticketing 27 residents at 2am for parking with two wheels on the kerb of a narrow Auckland street, says the Automobile Association.

The Weekend Herald revealed Orakei residents found $40 tickets on their windscreens, drawing criticism from local politicians and fellow Aucklanders.

Residents on Apiha and Tautari streets said if they parked on the road it would block access for emergency services' vehicles, rubbish trucks and other large vehicles.

Footpaths are 3m wide in some parts, and parking partially on them leaves room for pedestrians.

Auckland Transport is sticking by the decision, saying the road is not considered narrow.

But AA's senior policy analyst, Mark Stockdale, backs the residents and said the agency should be looking for solutions.

"The public have been ticketed out of the blue for trying to do the right thing by leaving the road clear and not blocking the footpath," he said.

"It's the stick instead of the carrot. Yes, the rules are the rules but sometimes the rules don't make sense - just fining people is not a solution."

Orakei Local Board chairwoman Desley Simpson said Auckland Transport needed to address the growing issues associated with narrow streets.

"Intensification and narrow streets are causing problems in our older inner-city suburbs," she said. "Sadly, AT haven't stepped up to look at options to address this."

Your views

• "Don't see why I have to mow the verge but can't park on it." - Chris Newnham, Auckland

• "I would support the parking of vehicles partially on the footpath as long as wheelchairs and pushchairs can still use the space left on the footpath." - Gillian Bicknell, Whangarei

• "I have no sympathy for drivers who park on footpaths, forcing pedestrians, people in wheelchairs and people pushing prams and strollers to go on to the road to get around them. I am pleased these rules are being enforced." - Barb Callaghan