Don't Turn Domain Into "Racing Track"

Media release

Newmarket Business Association

Monday, 27 October 2008

Drivers discouraged from turning historic Domain into "racing track"

Auckland's leading shopping district and second commercial district is keen to discourage its visitors from using the Auckland Domain as a short cut following the 14-month closure this weekend of Grafton Bridge to vehicles.

"The Domain is Auckland's oldest park and a real national treasure. With that in mind nobody wants the Lower Domain Road to become a racing track. It would be a real shame if the Domain which is an inner-city sanctuary for so many became a preferred short cut for cars," says Cameron Brewer of the Newmarket Business Association.

Grafton Bridge has been closed to vehicle traffic until early 2010 for strengthening work. However pedestrians and cyclists can still use it.

"With the closure of Grafton Bridge, drivers who want to get to places like Newmarket have other options including the Southern Motorway, Khyber Pass Road and Parnell Road. Those are the routes we want to encourage them to take.

"However we realise that with the likes of ramp signals on the motorway, major work planned for Quay Street, and the replacement of the Khyber Pass Road railway bridge, many drivers will be tempted to take the Wellesley Street bridge over Grafton Gully and then from the ASB Tennis Centre cut up through the Domain. That is to be discouraged.

"We want to be responsible and encourage our visitors, employees and residents not to 'rat-run' through this beautiful park that is protected by its own Act of Parliament no less.

"For the sake of the recreationalists, runners and readers, we are keen for the Auckland City Council to monitor traffic movements through the park over the coming months. This is the only sizable public open space the people of Newmarket have close, and so we want it protected," says Mr Brewer.

ENDS

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