The proposed parking strategy is a response to climate change. Photo / Alex Burton
The proposed parking strategy is a response to climate change. Photo / Alex Burton
The war on cars is continuing at pace. Act now before the effects of climate wreak havoc.
These are among the views on a radical plan by Auckland Council to remove parking on many of the city's roads to make way for more bus lanes and cycleways.
Under a proposednew parking strategy being considered by councillors tomorrow, Aucklanders will no longer be able to rely on parking outside their homes.
The strategy is an attempt to cut the city's greenhouse gas emissions by reducing car use and shifting towards more climate-friendly forms of transport.
Takapuna is one of the first areas earmarked for less parking. Photo / Michael Craig
What's more, councillors are being asked to give Auckland Transport unprecedented powers to remove parking for cycleways, bus lanes and other road changes without any consultation with Local Boards and affected residents.
There are also plans for higher prices, but these have not been set out yet.
"I am shocked that this is even being considered," said one woman in feedback to the Herald.
"Removing street parking without any warning or consultation with the people involved makes me feel sick to my stomach ... this is the craziest idea ever," she said.
Another woman said she battles in an apartment with four people where only two parks are provided and wants to know where AT thinks renters in the growing number of apartments will park.
"How is this going to cut greenhouse emissions? People still drive, still need to get to places where public transport cannot deliver them ... this plan is absolutely ridiculous," she said.
On the other hand, a third person thought the plan is a great idea, saying climate change needs radical changes, including more public transport, bicycles and fewer cars.
The Automobile Association calling permanent removal of parking on arterial roads "bizarre" earned it the title of "dinosaur" from another person.
"Why does it come out against every agency that is trying to meaningfully reduce carbon emissions ... the AA should come up with their own ideas, not just bark at the caravan," she said.
Feedback to the proposal from Local Board brought out some common themes, among them concerns about the speed of change, the impact on lower-income communities in South Auckland and doing away with parking in apartments buildings creating pressure for on-street parking.
Another strong theme was how inadequate public transport is for many people and the need for better public transport before removing parking.
Under a three-level system, the proposed parking strategy will be rolled out first in areas with good rapid transit and public transport and left to last in areas with the poorest transport options.
South Auckland Local Boards say better public transport is needed for the parking strategy to work. Photo / File
The South Auckland Local Boards of Māngere-Ōtāhuhu, Manurewa and Ōtara-Papatoetoe said their communities comprised many large, lower-income households with more than one vehicle, many of whom did shift work and were not well served by public transport.
They said their communities were least able to afford higher parking costs, with the Ōtara-Papatoetoe and Māngere-Ōtāhuhu boards calling for free public transport to reduce demand on parking.
Manukau councillor Efeso Collins said larger families, often with three cars that are older, gas guzzlers, are going to struggle.
He said people are willing to give up their cars, but saying they cannot trust if the buses will turn up or they need to catch two or three buses to get to work.
"If we have got to get rid of cars, we have got to make sure we have got a reliable, accessible and affordable public transport system," he said.
At the opposite end of the income spectrum, the Orakei Local Board is in favour of reducing street parking and large cost increases but, like South Auckland boards, not until alternative transport is developed.
The Waitakere Ranges Local Board said there needs to be a transition strategy from a city built for cars to one with low or no parking.
The board pointed out the risk of punishing people who have no choice, fining people on low incomes and disproportionately impacting women who often do multiple journeys with childcare, school drop-offs, shopping and sports training.
AT is developing a parking discussion document to start the conversation with Aucklanders, which is planned for release this month ahead of full consultation in March/April next year.
