AT barricades troubled bridge in bid to relieve residents

A trial is underway to limit overnight access to a Māngere bridge where late night gatherings and antisocial behaviour have left local residents feeling besieged and even selling up to move.

But a recent meeting between Māngere Bridge locals and Auckland Transport grew heated at times between those for and against the vehicle barricade at the Nga Hau bridge and all-tide boat ramp.

Loud music, burnouts, and other antisocial behaviour have put off many fishermen, cyclists, and other recreational users from using the area while the nearby GAS fuel station restricted its opening hours because of ongoing violent attacks on the premises.

Former Residents and Ratepayers Association secretary Malcom Turner agreed that it was negatively impacting residents.

“We have had people who have sold up and moved because of the noise. It is the worst it has ever been.”

AT programme manager Allyn Sims says that they are working closely alongside the police to create an effective solution to the ongoing problem.

Now under trial is a monitored access gate to prevent people engaging in intimidating and illegal activity in the secluded area between 10pm and 5am.

Legitimate users of the boat ramp can register to receive the code via signage at the gate, with a security guard nearby for the trial duration.

The new legislation provides AT with several new tools, such as restricting access to public roads to help address safety concerns.

Listen in to some of the meeting debate here.