How Auckland Transport is helping to keep Tāmaki Makaurau safe

The safety of our customers, our staff and our communities is always our priority at Auckland Transport (AT). ?Unfortunately we are currently experiencing heightened levels of crime across our city – including in our off-street parking facilities.

?Roger Freakley, Acting Group Manager of Parking Services and Compliance, says it’s been a deteriorating situation over the past two years in the city centre.

?“We are collaborating with Police on almost a daily basis, but unfortunately the floor areas of our car parks are simply too large to have a physical presence - in addition to 24/7 safety cameras.”

?“With respect to motorbike and scooter security - we have recently installed 383 Abus ground anchors across our Downtown, Toka Puia, Victoria, Ronwood, Civic, Ronwood and Fanshawe Street car parks. They are super easy to use and all you need to do is bring your own chain and lock.”

?“Please take advantage of this first-class security measure.

"We would encourage all motorbike/scooter users to make the most of the ground anchors and remember the old adage of ‘lock it or lose it’.”?

In addition to increased theft in parking facilities, there has recently been a spike in ram-raids across the city. AT is working closely with Police, elected members and business associations to streamline the bollard application process, or look at new ways to help protect businesses from ram-raids.

Where a site has experienced ram-raiding or repeated vehicle accidents, AT will consider the installation of bollards near the front of the building at the landowner’s expense. If bollards have been recommended for insurance purposes, we’ll also consider applications in these circumstances. Each application will be assessed on its merits and we’ll keep working closely with businesses and business associations to reach the best solution.?AT is also working with the National Retail Crimes Unit and looking at other options like upgrading street lighting in certain areas.

In recent days it has also been disheartening to see the vandalism of Onewa Road’s T3 cameras. Fortunately, we have clear camera footage that will enable Police to identify the person/s responsible for the damage. These transit lanes are one of the ways we make travel times quicker, reduce emissions and provide more sustainable ways for people to travel around Tāmaki Makaurau – Auckland.?It’s disappointing to see vandalism of any kind, let alone vandalism which ends up costing rate payers and road users alike.