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St Andrews Road, Epsom – No stopping off roadway signs St Andrews Road, Epsom – No stopping off roadway signs

Proposal status: Closed 30 April 2021. Last updated 16 August 2021

Reference number: RTV-357

Proposal outcome

In April 2021, we proposed changes to improve safety and visibility by installing “no stopping off roadway” signs along both sides of St Andrews Road. After reviewing all the feedback, we are proceeding with the work as proposed. These works will help support our Vision Zero goal.

AT appreciates that there are very strong views regarding the right to park on the berm along St Andrews Road. We do feel that this behaviour is inappropriate and should not be encouraged as it can; restrict visibility, subject the grass to damage during winter months, cause soil compaction which can damages tree roots and also damage installed utility services. Auckland Transport understands that installing “no stopping off roadway” signage along the length of St Andrews Road is not ideal and at this stage we do not feel it is required. No stopping off roadway signs will only be placed where there is a current identified safety issue with drivers parking on the berm. Auckland Transport is confident that restricting parking on the berms will have knock on positive parking behaviour effects in these areas of concern. We included the whole of St Andrews Road in the consultation material as we are future proofing the area, so that if any further safety issues are presented, we can respond more effectively should signage be required at any other locations on St Andrews Road. Initially we will look to install signs at no.82 where we are aware that there is a safety issue.

The changes we are proposing:

  • Install ‘No stopping off Road Way’ signs along both sides of St Andrews Road, where there is an identified safety issue.

What happens next

We anticipate the changes will be constructed in November. We will be in touch with local residents and business prior to any construction taking place.

Community feedback

Thank you for helping us make better decisions for your neighbourhood, informed by your local knowledge.  A summary of your feedback and our responses to community questions is below. Respondents in support of the proposal noted that the “no stopping off roadway” signs will make entering and exiting their driveways safer and improve road user visibility along St Andrews Road.

Feedback in support of the proposal

The proposal received 21% in support of the proposal as is and 15% in support with minor changes. Those in support noted that the proposal will; increase road user safety when accessing driveways and St Andrews Road, enable residents to manage the berm efficiently and improve access for busses and rubbish trucks.

Parking Demand

  • Concern that on-street parking will be removed within the proposal.

This proposal does not remove any on-street parking along St Andrews Road. The proposal stops drivers from parking on the grass berm (the off roadway) where Auckland Transport has identified that this is presenting a safety issue for road users.

  • Concern that without parking on the berm St Andrews Road cannot cope with residential parking demand.

Auckland Transport does not view the grass berm as contributing to the on-street parking supply on St Andrews Road. Therefore, we do not agree that this proposal is reducing parking opportunities for residents.

  • Concern that this is a residential street and that adequate parking is a requirement for residents.

Although we understand that berm parking is currently used by residents, it remains each resident’s or institutions responsibility to ensure that they have sufficient parking to meet their needs. Auckland Transport will always advise against relying on on-street parking, as this can be subject to change at short notice should objectives change meaning that parking might be removed.

  • Suggestion to install parking time limits on on-street parking, to reduce congestion.

Parking restrictions are introduced in areas where there is a reason to encourage parking turnover and increase availability. Auckland Transport is happy to consider these restrictions on a case-by-case basis.

  • Suggestion that signs are not needed, and that Auckland Transport need to send out more parking officers to St Andrews Road to ticket those parking on the berms to prevent drivers from doing so.

Auckland Transport has been advised that “no stopping off roadway” signage is required to enable enforcement of the restriction.

  • Concern that traffic will have to cross over the centre line to pass vehicles parked on the street, due to narrow road width and little clearance room.

St Andrews Road is between 7.5m and 8.5m in width and as such, is not viewed to be a narrow road. Therefore, St Andrews road can accommodate on-street parking on both sides and provide enough space for vehicles to pass one another with care.

Speeding

  • Request for more speed calming measures to be implemented on St Andrews Road.

Auckland Transport is currently working to a plan to reduce road users’ speeds around the region. This plan targets areas that have been identified as high priority and this rating is based on the level of safety risk measured for each road on our network. The initial roll out of our speed reduction plan is focused on approximately 10% of our road network which includes residential areas. To address traffic speeds in residential areas we have adopted an area-based focus, which recognises that implementing traffic-calming measures on one street has a knock-on effect for the surrounding neighbourhood. As a result, Auckland Transport has created the Residential Speed Management programme.

The Residential Speed Management programme focuses its delivery to areas that have been prioritised for changes to reduce the incidence and impact of crashes. This is based on several factors, including: the number of crashes, the safety risk posed, traffic speeds, land use and concerns raised by local residents and their elected representatives. While we do appreciate your concerns, St Andrews Road has not been identified in the first group of areas with our Residential Speed Management programme, as other areas in the region are experiencing higher speeds and safety risk. More information, including the residential areas that will be prioritised for further investigation can be viewed here: https://at.govt.nz/projects-roadworks/safe-speeds-programme/city-and-town-centres-urban-residential-and-rural-safe-speeds-programme/residential-speed-management-programme/

Road Width

  • Concern that the proposal will exacerbate the roads narrowness as there is insufficient space for vehicles to pass each other when there are vehicles parked on either side of the road.

St Andrews Road is between 7.5m and 8.5m in width and is therefore not identified as a narrow road. Therefore, St Andrews Road is wide enough to accommodate for on-street parking on both sides of the road and for road users can pass with care.

  • Concern that buses will not be able to manoeuvre through St Andrews Road if cars are parked on both sides of the road.

We have received no complaints that buses cannot safely travel down St Andrews Road. Further, St Andrews Road is identified to be wide enough for cars to be parked on either side of the road and for buses to still pass with care.

  • Concern that St Andrews Road is a major thoroughfare road and traffic congestion is high because of this. Belief parking on the street is not feasible due to traffic congestion.

Auckland Transport monitors traffic flows and areas where congestion is identified. As a result of this monitoring, we propose interventions based on each individual circumstance, such as peak hour clearways. Currently have not identified St Andrews Road as experiencing issues caused by traffic congestion.

Broken Yellow Lines

  • Suggestion for broken yellow lines (no stopping at all times) to be painted where the “no stopping off roadway” signs are being installed.

Broken yellow line (no stopping at all times) restrictions only apply between the kerb and the centre line. Therefore, they would not be effective in resolving the current issues presented by drivers parking on the berm.

  • Suggestion to paint broken yellow lines (no stopping at all times) on one side of St Andrews Road to ease congestion caused by vehicles parking on both sides of the road.

Auckland Transport has found that marking broken yellow lines (no stopping at all times) on one side of the road can encourage high traffic speeds with lower safety outcomes for pedestrians and road users. Where broken yellow lines are required Auckland Transport favours a staggered positioning. With regards to St Andrews Road we currently do not feel that this approach is required.

  • Request for stretches of broken yellow lines (no stopping at all times) on the rise between Selwyn Road and Gorrie Ave, on the west side of the hill, and on the approach to the traffic lights at the end of St Andrews Road, to improve pedestrian safety and driver accessibility to driveways.

Thank you for your suggestion for Auckland Transport to investigate painting broken yellow lines (no stopping at all times) between Selwyn Road and Gorrie Avenue and on the approach to the traffic lights at the end of St Andrews Road. We will pass your suggestion to our Traffic Engineering team for their consideration.

  • Suggestion to paint broken yellow lines (no stopping at all times) where the bus stops are located to avoid cars blocking the bus stops.

This proposal aims to address the issue of vehicles parking on the grass berm on St Andrews Road, which blocks passengers from entering and exiting the bus onto the footpath safely. Thank you for your suggestion, we feel that installing “no stopping off roadway” signs will help us achieve the proposals aim, instead of painting broken yellow lines.

Network

  • Query that cars on the roadway are less obstructive to driver visibility than cars on the berm.

Auckland Transport has identified one location where vehicles parking on the berm are restricting road user visibility and wish to respond to this safety issue. Including all of St Andrews Road in our proposal will allow Auckland Transport to respond efficiently should other locations in the area be identified.

  • Suggestion to allow people to park on berms during certain times of the day, for example 9:30-12:00 on Sundays for elderly people visiting St Andrews Church.

Auckland Transport do not consider parking on the berm to be appropriate or safe at any time of the day.

  • Concern that bus stop facilities on St Andrews Road are not negatively impacted by drivers parking on the berm.

Auckland Transport has identified an issue with passengers not being able to enter and exit the bus safely when vehicles are parked on the berm. Further, driver safety when entering and exiting their driveways is also compromised by vehicles parking on the berm at bus stops because their visibility is severely reduced.

  • Query regarding how the proposal will help Auckland Transport achieve its Vision Zero goal.

This proposal will help Auckland Transport achieve our Vision Zero goal by improving road user visibility and reduce the risk of a serious incident from happening.

  • Query regarding safety concerns, as parking on the berm is not a safety issue for pedestrians.

Vehicles parking on the berm reduce pedestrian visibility of oncoming traffic on St Andrews Road.

Signage

  • Concern that proposal is compromised by signage detailing that restricted parking is situated no more than one metre to driveways. Suggestion to paint road markings to show the legal distance that cars should be parked in relation to driveways.

Auckland Transport does not support the use of road markings to show where vehicles are allowed to park up to. This reasoning is clearly outlined in the Land Transport Road User Rule 2004, with which all holders of a driving licence should be familiar with.

  • Concern that no stopping off roadway signs are unsightly.

Auckland Transport understands community concerns around this proposal but would like to highlight that signage will not be installed the whole way down St Andrews Road. “No stopping off roadway” signs will only be installed where there is a known safety issue posed by vehicles parking on the berm. By including the whole of St Andrews Road in this proposal, Auckland Transport has future proofed the road. This means that we can respond quickly and efficiently in the future, should a berm related safety issue happen on an un-signed section of St Andrews Road.

Berm management

  • Request for Auckland Transport to protect St Andrews Road’s trees by not permitting vehicles to park within the dripline of the trees on the berm.

Auckland Transport are aware that the root systems of the trees often extend far beyond the drip line of the canopy and we do not feel that this is an acceptable compromise.

  • Request to remove the berm, or concrete over the berm, to create parking spaces on the road.

Auckland Transport have recently explored the possibility of replacing berms with off street parking, however the cost is high and currently beyond the scope of this proposal.

  • Suggestion that no stopping off roadway signs should be installed Auckland wide and not just specific to locality.

Thank you for your suggestion. Auckland Transports current policy around installing “no stopping off roadway” signs are done on a location-by-location basis where safety issues have been identified. Auckland Transport does not have the resources required to install “no stopping off roadway” signage across the whole region. Instead, we respond to locations where there is an identified safety issue such as those that exist on St Andrews Road.

We're proposing improvements in your area

Aucklanders have told us that moving around our city safely and easily is important to them. We are proposing some improvements to your area.

We are proposing to make some changes to improve safety and visibility by installing “no stopping off roadway” signs along both sides of St Andrews Road.

The changes we are proposing:

  • Install ‘No stopping off Road Way’ signs along both sides of St Andrews Road.

Auckland Transport would like to work with you to deliver safer roads in your neighbourhood. Installing “no stopping off roadway” signs will make it clear to people that parking on the berms is not allowed. These changes will increase pedestrian safety and improve bus stop facility use, as currently bus stops on St Andrews Road are being blocked by drivers parking on the berms. The “no stopping off roadway signs” will also reduce congestion during peak traffic hours on St Andrews Road.

Download the proposal drawing for St Andrews Road (PDF 214KB)

If you would like to post in your feedback, download and print our feedback form template, fill in your details and send it freepost using the address details on the form.

What happens next

  • We’ll listen to all the feedback we receive, and then decide the best way to move forward.
  • We’ll post the outcome of this proposal and a summary of community feedback on this webpage.
  • We can email you the proposal outcome as soon as it’s ready – just select that option when you fill in the survey.

Epsom: Safe with us

Auckland Transport cares for your safety. We want to make our roads safe for everyone, people walking and cycling, especially for our kids and senior citizens and people driving. Projects like this one around St Andrews Road are another step towards our goal of achieving no deaths or serious injuries on our roads. We are guided by the Vision Zero approach to transport safety, which prioritises human safety over other measures (like minor time saving).