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Central Boulevard and Milner Avenue, Silverdale - Parking restrictions Central Boulevard and Milner Avenue, Silverdale - Parking restrictions

Proposal status: Feedback closed 5 March 2020, last updated 21 May 2020.

Reference number: RTV-276

We proposed changes in your area in March 2020

To improve parking turnover for customers, we proposed parking restrictions on Central Boulevard and Milner Avenue in Silverdale. Our proposal responded to requests from local businesses to tackle the issue of unrestricted parking and to improve parking turnover. This proposal includes P30 (30-minute parking restrictions) and P120 (2-hour parking restrictions) Monday-Sunday, between 8am and 6pm; the exact locations are detailed in the drawing.

We will also install signs and enforce illegal parking on grass berms as part of the implementation of this proposal. We are aiming to improve the parking turnover for businesses and make parking more accessible for customers.

Download the proposal drawing for Central Boulevard and Milner Avenue (PDF 296KB)

Proposal outcome

Based on feedback from the community, we will proceed with changes.

Changes include:

  • We will no longer propose the P120 time restrictions to be installed for approximately 15 on-street spaces. According to the consultation feedback, we recognise there is a need for long-term parking. Therefore those parking spaces will remain unrestricted. Please refer to the updated drawing.

Download the updated drawing for Central Boulevard and Milner Avenue (PDF 283KB)

However, we will maintain the P30 outside the shops on Milner Avenue and Central Boulevard as the original proposal. This will help the shops and customers access parking by improving turnover in this busy commercial area.

We feel that this solution will provide a good balance between short and long term parking in this busy commercial area.

Finally, Auckland Transport will progress with the prohibition to park on the grass verges along Milner Avenue and Central Boulevard. This is causing safety issues especially to pedestrians and also damaging the berm area, impacting the ratepayer in terms of cost to repair and maintain.

Thank you to everyone who responded to our proposal and gave us the chance to better understand your community and concerns. A summary of your feedback and our responses to community questions is below.

Community feedback

Safety

  • Many respondents are concerned about staff safety during extreme hours such as early mornings or late evenings and having to walk further and in residential areas.
    Police should be notified about activities of vandalism and safety concerns in this area. Please report any suspicious activity to the police.
  • Respondents noted this proposal could pose a risk for residents' cars and pedestrians (since people will now park in residential areas).
    Everyone has the right to park on the public road as long as it is done in an appropriate and legal manner.

Consequences

  • Many respondents are concerned if proposal goes ahead that staff would park in the residential area which will cause distress and concerns for the residents.
    We will monitor the surrounding residential streets in this area in the future. If high occupancy is observed and a need to include new parking controls is identified, we will consult directly with the impacted stakeholders.
  • Respondents explained that the area is growing and parking for these new businesses is required. They suggested we find realistic solutions for workplaces in this area as it is becoming increasingly crowded.
    It is each businesses’ responsibility to ensure they have enough parking to meet their staff’s parking needs. The issue highlighted is common across the region for those businesses that have chosen to locate in premises that do not have enough parking spaces for their staff. Due to the limited on-street parking spaces, Auckland Transport supports the use of alternate travel modes, such as public transport as an alternative to the private vehicle.
  • Concern about the strain on businesses because if they can’t find enough employees they will move to a more hospitable community.
    It is each businesses’ responsibility to ensure they have enough parking to meet their staff’s parking needs. The issue highlighted is common across the region for those businesses that have chosen to locate in premises that do not have enough parking spaces for their staff.
    Auckland Transport's focus is on promoting the efficient use of the existing public parking resource. The benefits of increasing the existing public parking supply need to be weighed against the considerable consenting, capital and operational costs that new parking facilities would incur. At this stage there are no plans to provide any additional public car parking in this area.

Staff parking

  • Many respondents questioned where staff would park.
    It is each businesses’ responsibility to ensure they have enough parking to meet their staff’s parking needs. The issue highlighted is common across the region for those businesses that have chosen to locate in premises that do not have enough parking spaces for their staff.
    Auckland Transport supports the use of alternative travel modes, such as public transport. However, if having a private vehicle is the only travel option available, we suggest that motorist’s park further away in areas that are unrestricted or investigate leasing parking spaces from a private provider.
  • Concern staff will have no place to park or will incur fines. They park on the grass berms as they need parking and, in some cases, are unable to take public/alternative transport.
    Auckland Transport feels that parking on the berm poses safety issues and causes damage to trees and the grass. This activity impacts the ratepayer in terms of cost to repair and maintain. According to our investigations and site visits, a considerable number of cars are illegally parked causing the above-mentioned issues.
  • A respondent explained that their customers are priority but would like Council to make staff their priority and for AT to consider the staff of these businesses who will be adversely affected by these changes. Local businesses need staff to work in their establishments not just customers to make them viable.
    It is each businesses’ responsibility to ensure they have enough parking to meet their staff’s parking needs.
    Parking time restrictions are normally used as a tool to facilitate turnover and manage high parking demand. These restrictions are normally requested by the businesses in the area due to the limited on-street parking spaces.

Suggestions for the parking proposal

  • Respondent suggested to have a pay and display car park which would help support the community who need to park for work.
    Auckland Transport's focus is on promoting the efficient use of the existing public parking resource. The benefits of increasing the existing public parking supply need to be weighed against the considerable consenting, capital and operational costs that new parking facilities would incur. At this stage there are no plans to provide any additional public car parking in this area.
  • Suggestions that the proposed parking to be all 30 minutes, because if people need to park longer, they can go to the large parking area.
    We have amended the original proposal; accordingly, we will now have P30 in the parking spaces right outside the shops along Milner Avenue and Central Boulevard. Parking on the opposite side will be unrestricted. AT believes that this solution will provide a good balance between short- and long-term parking. The changes are reflected in the updated drawing.
  • Respondent suggested to have 30-minute parking limits directly outside of the shops.
    We agreed with this suggestion, therefore, the original proposal has been amended accordingly.
  • Respondent suggested to not restrict the unused grass berm and to use hex pavers.
    Auckland Transport acknowledges that parking on the berm poses safety issues and causes damage to trees and the grass. This activity impacts the ratepayer in terms of cost to repair and maintain. AT does not feel that installing a new surface to allow parking would be appropriate as we would not support parking in this area beyond the indented bays.
    This location has been identified for the installation of no parking signs due to the above-mentioned related safety issues
  • Numerous suggestions to provide more carparks for staff.
    On-street parking is a valuable public asset, and therefore, we are unable to make any changes solely to meet the needs of a particular individual, business, or organisation. Careful consideration is required when looking at amendments to the parking layout in any given location to ensure that the varied needs of the wider community are also met. AT cannot reserve public parking to staff or any other category of road user.
  • Numerous suggestions for more carparks in general.
    Auckland Transport's focus is on promoting the efficient use of the existing public parking resource. The benefits of increasing the existing public parking supply need to be weighed against the considerable consenting, capital and operational costs that new parking facilities would incur. At this stage there are no plans to provide any additional public car parking in this area.
    Due to the limited on-street parking spaces, Auckland Transport supports the use of alternate travel modes, such as public transport as an alternative to the private vehicle.
  • Some respondents raised concerns that clients and customers would not be able to find parking. Other respondents suggested more needs to be done to alleviate this congested area and offered to invite Council to come discuss ways to increase the parking situation for businesses.
    While AT cannot provide additional parking The Auckland Transport Travel Demand Team works with organisations through the Travelwise Choices programme, to help encourage sustainable transport within their staff, students, visitors and customers. In particular, the Travel Demand Team can assist with the following:
    • Public Transport – The Travel Demand Team can offer staff currently driving to work a 'Give it a Go' Public Transport Trial which includes a free HOP card to try out Public Transport services for two weeks at no cost to them. We can also supply bus and train timetables and information on HOP cards. Find more information on Public Transport and the AT journey planner.
    • Carpooling – The Travel Demand Team can also promote carpooling through the Smart Travel New Zealand Let’s Carpool app and website.
    • Cycling - Training courses for beginner, intermediate and advanced sessions and bike maintenance can be offered to staff if at least 6 people are interested and register. We can provide cycle route maps and some cycle safety equipment if needed. Read more information on walking and cycling on our website.
      For an overview of other areas, the Travel Demand Team can assist businesses with, please refer to the 'Travelwise Choices A Year in Review -2016/17' booklet.
  • Respondents suggested creating angle parking where possible (Central Boulevard) decrease 2 lanes to 1 and add additional parking. Double lanes are not necessary.
    The additional lanes are required for operational reasons in this area, especially during busy periods. It is not practical to replace existing traffic lanes given the traffic demand will increase as the area continues to develop.

Miscellaneous feedback, outside of scope of proposal

  • Respondent suggested to slow the traffic down along Milner Avenue before speeding traffic creates a traumatic event for the Childcare Centre located on this road.
    Our Traffic Engineering Team will investigate this suggestion.
  • There is concern the area in question has road access that is not fit for purpose (e.g. all planted trees from road berms should be removed).
    At this location, the planting of trees is not in conflict with the use of the road and they provide environmental benefits.
  • Respondent was concerned that since this area is accessed by heavy vehicles, it is difficult for them to traverse and needs to be improved urgently.
    Our Traffic Engineering Team will investigate this concern.
  • Concern that the bus stop on the Hibiscus Coast Highway, opposite Northern Arena, doesn't have a safe path to the lights to cross the road.
    As part of the long-term improvements along Hibiscus Coast Highway, a connection will be provided from #29 Hibiscus Coast Highway to the Millwater Parkway/Hibiscus Coast Highway intersection, comprising of footpaths and pedestrian crossing facilities to allow for the safe movement of pedestrians. Further, the speed limit along Hibiscus Coast Highway is considered for a speed limit reduction as part of the next speed bylaw review. Subsequently, pedestrian safety walking along and across Hibiscus Coast Highway will improve.

Next steps

These works are planned between July-August, but we will let you know if there are further changes or delays. Our contractors will send notices to affected residents 48-hours prior to construction starting.