The NZ Transport Agency is very concerned by suggestions from the GetAcross campaign that people joining a demonstration this Sunday 24 May will be attempting to walk or cycle across the Auckland Harbour Bridge while it remains open to traffic.
The NZ Transport Agency is very concerned by suggestions from the GetAcross campaign that people joining a demonstration this Sunday 24 May will be attempting to walk or cycle across the Auckland Harbour Bridge while it remains open to traffic.
NZTA Regional Director for Auckland and Northland Wayne McDonald says GetAcross organisers have been advised on several occasions that the bridge would not be closed to traffic on Sunday, and that it is not a safe environment for walkers and cyclists.
“In spite of this very clear advice, GetAcross has this week emailed dozens of Auckland schools encouraging children and their families to take part in a ‘public walk/cycle over the Auckland Harbour Bridge’ this Sunday. Parents need to know that the bridge will not be closed on Sunday. It is a high speed motorway and there is no protection for pedestrians or cyclists. Our top priority is people’s safety. We are very concerned for the wellbeing of anyone entering the bridge on foot or cycle, especially if they are under the impression that it is safe to do so.
“We respect people’s right to demonstrate in support of their views, and we welcome an open and honest dialogue on the issues relating to walking and cycling on the bridge. But we would be failing in our duties and obligations if people exercising that right were allowed entry to a high speed motorway where their safety would be put at serious risk. Pedestrians and cyclists are legally prohibited from entering any motorway – including the Auckland Harbour Bridge. It is unsafe for them to do so,” he says.
Mr McDonald says closing the bridge to traffic to accommodate Sunday’s demonstration would cause serious and widespread congestion on Auckland’s motorway network.
For more information please contact:
Ewart Barnsley
Auckland Media Manager
NZ Transport Agency
T 64 9 368 2142
M 027 213 7616
ewart.barnsley@nzta.govt.nz
