Safety concerns have prompted the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to put a stop to vehicles being displayed for sale on State highway 1(SH1) on the northern approach to the Ashburton River bridge.
NZTA State Highways Operations Manager Peter Connors says this is an ongoing issue that has worsened in recent times and is one the NZTA wants to end by enforcing one of its bylaws banning this activity. Safety is the main reason for the NZTA not wanting this area of SH1 establishing itself as an area for people to sell vehicles.
“The main safety concerns are around people inspecting vehicles and the risk of them being hit by passing traffic on what is busy section of highway. Another problem with vehicles being parked up for sale in this area is that they can block visibility from entranceways and intersections and reduce the amount of roadway for cyclists. They also prevent access for legitimate day to day parking by residents, businesses and visitors.”
Vehicles breaching this bylaw can be immediately towed and stored at the owner’s cost and a $500 fine imposed.
Mr Connors says that initially a warning letter will be placed on windscreens of these vehicles asking the owner to remove them immediately and the vehicle’s registration recorded. Following this warning, any vehicle registered to the owner found for sale at this or any other on the State Highway will be towed.
Warning signs banning vehicles, boats and caravans being parked for sale will be erected on this section of highway over the next few months.
