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\nThere is a very high threshold for accepting requests to access the bridge for special events said the NZTA.
\nPhoto: 123rf\n<\/p>\n
A planned protest across the Auckland Harbour Bridge organised by the Freedom and Rights Coalition has had its permit declined.<\/p>\n
The event is being organised for 31 January by the Brian Tamaki-associated protest group.<\/p>\n
Transport Agency national manager maintenance and operations Andrew Clark said there was a very high threshold for accepting requests to access the bridge for special events.<\/p>\n
NZTA declined the request for access on 31 January because the traffic management plan provided did not meet the criteria, he said.<\/p>\n
“The Auckland Harbour Bridge is New Zealand’s most critical transport asset and is designed for a steady flow of vehicles. The bridge is not designed for use by pedestrians,” Clark said.<\/p>\n
“Large groups of people walking across the Auckland Harbour Bridge generates swaying of the structure, which causes vibrations leading to large movement between the clip-ons and the central truss bridge lanes.”<\/p>\n
Clark said the timing and duration of these sorts of events over the Auckland Harbour Bridge also caused substantial and widespread disruption to Auckland’s transport network.<\/p>\n
Police said a significant police operation was well-advanced in its planning.<\/p>\n
Superintendent Naila Hassan said any unlawful access to the motorway would be met with enforcement action.<\/p>\n
“Police recognise the right to peaceful and lawful protest. Any access to the motorway network requires a permit, and as no such permit has been issued. Any protest action on the Auckland Harbour Bridge would be unlawful,” she said.<\/p>\n
“Police has been advised recent marches on the ‘clip-on’ lanes posed a risk of damage to infrastructure and put participants at risk of serious injury.<\/p>\n
“This advice has changed Police’s position on facilitating any future access for marching across the bridge.”<\/p>\n
Hassan said any protest action through the centre lanes of the bridge would most likely force the closure of at least all lanes in one direction of the bridge.<\/p>\n
“This could also potentially put lives at risk due to attendees’ proximity to live traffic and disruption to emergency services,” she said.<\/p>\n
“The right to protest must be balanced against the rights of the community and road users to go about their lawful activities.”<\/p>\n
Hassan said police had offered to work with organisers on finding a suitable location so that they could carry out peaceful and lawful protest.<\/p>\n
RNZ has approached the Freedom and Rights Coalition for comment.<\/p>\n