Draft Traffic & Road Use Bylaw
Closed: 16 December 2024
The Council has reviewed the Traffic and Road Use bylaw, which was originally adopted in 2018 and was due for its scheduled review. This process is essential for ensuring that the bylaws remain current and effective, as councils are required to periodically update them.
Thank you for sharing your views on the draft Traffic and Road Use Bylaw 2024.
The main changes proposed by the Council include:
- Adding definitions from the current Administration Bylaw (e.g. ‘animal’, ‘approval’, ‘footpath’).
- Updating wording (from ‘Operation Mobility Parking’ to ‘Mobility Parking’).
- For general Council discretions (clause 5), it is clarified that Council may exercise the discretions by resolution, which may be permanent or temporary. Engine braking in areas of 70kmph or less is added; as is the use of vehicles on unformed legal roads; and restrictions on heavy traffic.
- New restrictions on parking are added (clause 6.3): vehicles must not be parked on footpaths, grass verges where it will damage the grass verge; gardens; or other parts of roads not designed to accommodate vehicles.
- At clause 8, a new prohibition on parking heavy motor vehicles in residential areas (except for loading and unloading) without a resolution from Council to the contrary.
- Removing all reference to metered areas and parking meters (i.e. paid parking areas), and focusing at clause 9 only on the potential for Council to introduce, by resolution, time-restricted parking zones.
- Requirements relating to stock on roads have been moved to Schedule I, understanding that a new Stock Control Bylaw may be proposed to be introduced.
- Modifying vehicle crossings (clause 19.1) is clarified as including as a result of a change of use of the property.
- Setting out the action Council may take if there is non-compliance (at clause 20).
- Clarifying that offences occur where there is a breach of a provision of the bylaw; an obstruction of an Authorised Officer from carrying out their duties under the bylaw; or a failure to comply with a notice (clause 21.1).
You can give us your feedback on the submission form below or pick up a hard copy at libraries and service centres. The submission period closes
The submission period closed at 5:00pm on Monday 16 December 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
The current Traffic and Road Use Waste Bylaw was adopted in 2018 and is now due for review. Under legislation Council is obliged to do this every 6 years.
Council believes that the proposed changes are the most appropriate way to address the challenges we face around activities that impact road safety or road condition; primarily, poor condition entranceways, undue impacts of heavy traffic, and parking in areas not specifically designed for traffic. Council is proposing these changes to protect public health and safety, minimize nuisance, and ensure the efficient management of roads and parking in the district. The changes are also intended to provide clear and enforceable rules for residents and visitors.
Residents can provide their input by participating in the consultation process. Council will hear and consider submissions as part of a special consultative procedure before finalizing the bylaw.
The new definitions are being added to ensure understanding of specific terms like ‘animal’, ‘approval’, and ‘footpath’.
This change is simply an update in terminology to reflect current usage. It does not affect the rights or availability of mobility parking spaces.
The new restrictions aim to reduce noise and improve safety in residential areas. Engine braking will be restricted in areas with speed limits of 70km/h or less, and there will be new controls on heavy traffic and the use of vehicles on unformed legal roads.
Vehicles must not be parked on footpaths, grass verges where it will damage the grass, gardens, or other parts of roads not designed to accommodate vehicles. Additionally, heavy motor vehicles cannot be parked in residential areas without a Council permit, except for loading and unloading. (see point below).
Except for loading and unloading, heavy vehicles cannot park within a residential area without a permit from Council.
The bylaw is being updated to focus on the potential for time-restricted parking zones, rather than metered parking areas. This allows for more flexible and responsive parking management.
Requirements relating to stock on roads are being moved to Schedule I, with the understanding that a new Stock Control Bylaw may be introduced in the future. This means any changes will be part of the new Stock Control Bylaw.
The bylaw clarifies that modifications to vehicle crossings include changes resulting from a change of use of the property. This ensures that any necessary adjustments are made to accommodate new uses.