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Hobson Street, Auckland Central - Loading zone restrictions Hobson Street, Auckland Central - Loading zone restrictions

Consultation status: closed 24 April 2018

Proposal reference: RTV-154

We are proposing to restrict usage of the loading zone outside 157 Hobson Street to goods vehicles only. The new restrictions will no longer allow for the unloading and loading of coaches and other passenger vehicles at this location.

Download the consultation drawing for Hobson Street (PDF 171KB).

Why the changes are needed

Our observations show that passengers disembarking coaches and other passenger vehicles at this location frequently are forced to exit onto the street in oncoming traffic, creating obvious safety hazards.

We would like to encourage passenger vehicles to utilise the Cook Street loading zone instead to reduce risks to passengers.

​Proposal outcome

The proposal received mixed feedback with some concerns raised by respondents. After reviewing this feedback and all other supporting evidence, the proposal will not proceed to the next stage of detailed planning.

Feedback received highlighted an issue with the existing P5 Loading Zones at 157 Hobson Street and immediately around the corner on Cook Street. We are currently investigating the possibility of extending the hours of the loading zones to “at all other times” outside of clearway hours.

Feedback received

  • Concern that the proposal will not significantly improve passenger safety at this location. While Auckland Transport recognises that our original proposal did not completely resolve the issue we had identified, we did feel that it was a step in the right direction. The negative impact on local businesses was such that we wish to explore other ways to resolve the issue. Based on this feedback and further investigations that were undertaken, the proposal to restrict usage of the loading zone outside of 157 Hobson Street to goods vehicles only will not proceed.
  • Concerns that, as many of the surrounding buildings do not have designated parking, the new loading zone restrictions will be problematic for elderly residents, handicapped residents, and children. After receipt of public feedback and discussion with local businesses, the loading zone will be retained for the loading and unloading of both goods and passengers. Nevertheless, Auckland Transport does strongly discourage vehicles from allowing passengers to disembark into the road when utilising the existing loading zone.
  • Suggestion to bolster enforcement of loading zone and parking restrictions in the vicinity. The enforcement of loading zones and parking restrictions is carried out as part of Auckland Transport’s standard enforcement patrols.
  • Requests to reinstate the loading zone outside of 152 Hobson Street. Auckland Transport will be introducing new clearway times along the eastern side of Hobson Street that will operate 2.30pm and 7pm. Rather than create a new loading zone with very limited operational hours this location will become part of the City Centre Parking Zone. 10 minutes free parking is allowed within the parking zone which will help facilitate loading and unloading.
  • Requests to restore earlier loading zone restrictions at this location and at the Cook Street Loading Zone to "at all times," so as to prevent vehicles from parking after hours and blocking access for Coaches and other passenger vehicles. Our records indicate that the loading zone on Cook Street was resolved on 3 March 2009 as a P5 Loading Zone At All Other Times outside of the clearway hours that apply Monday to Friday, 4 pm to 6 pm. In this respect it appears that the signage has been incorrectly changed and we will request that it is changed to reflect what had been previously agreed upon. We agree that the hours of operation for the Cook Street loading zone could be extended and we will explore this further.
  • Concern that there are insufficient passenger loading and unloading options in this area. After receipt of public feedback and discussion with local businesses, the loading zone will be retained for the loading and unloading of both goods and passengers. Auckland Transport does, however, strongly discourage vehicles from allowing passengers to disembark into the road when utilising the existing loading zone. In addition to the loading zone on Cook Street 10 minutes free parking is allowed within the paid parking area which facilitates loading and unloading, Auckland Transport is therefore of the opinion that sufficient suitable alternatives are available.
  • Concerns that the proposal will interfere with airport shuttle services that operate at this location. After receipt of public feedback and discussion with local businesses, the loading zone will be retained for the loading and unloading of both goods and passengers. Auckland Transport does, however, strongly discourage vehicles from allowing passengers to disembark into the road when utilising the existing loading zone.
  • Request to install a "keep clear" zone outside of the Cook Street entrance to the Auckland City Hotel, to allow vehicles to safely turn into and out of the car park. AT only considers the use of "keep clear" controls in situations which impact emergency services such as outside Fire Stations. Obstruction of a vehicle entrance is prohibited and should be reported to Auckland Transport Enforcement on 09 355 3553.