Aucklanders are being invited to have their say on a proposal to install 300 bollards along a 320 metre section of The Esplanade at Big Manly Beach.
Hibiscus and Bays Local Board Chair, Gary Brown says the reserve between Cross Street and Manly Sailing Club is being damaged by vehicles parking on it.
“People have parked on the reserve for many years. But now with so many vehicles here, it’s quite easy to see the damage being caused to tree roots, the grass and sand dunes.”
“Council coastal and arborist experts advise that if people continue to park here, this section will deteriorate into sand and gravel like the eastern end of The Esplanade.
“It’s a beautiful spot and visitors to the beach like to picnic under the trees. When it’s busy, this does raise safety concerns with pedestrians and vehicles mixing on the reserve and children running in and out between reversing vehicles.
“We know that this issue – installing the bollards – has created a lot of interest from residents and visitors to the beach which is why we’ve postponed the project, and we’re asking for feedback.”
Residents can give feedback on the bollard proposal until 10 December online at akhaveyoursay.nz.
Mr Brown said some residents were concerned that the bollard installation could lead to a shortage of car parks during summer.
He said Council staff will monitor the current parking situation over summer and provide feedback to the local board early next year.
