Port Hills fires: Police appeal to public for information
Police are investigating four fires in Christchurch's Port Hills and are appealing people with any information to come forward.
Emergency Services were called to the locations between midnight and 2.00am on December 9. The fires are being treated as suspicious.
In a statement issued this afternoon, Police say that there were flares spotted at the scene of the fires and wish to hear from anyone that may have seen any suspicious activity.
The public can file information on the Police non-emergency number 105, quoting file number 201209/8549. Alternatively, they can share information anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Poll: Is the increase in disability parking fines fair?
In October, the fine for parking in a designated mobility car park without a permit has jumped from $150 to $750—a 400% increase!
The goal is to keep these spaces open for those who truly need them. Do you think this big increase in the fine is fair? Share your thoughts below.
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89% Yes, it's fair
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10.3% No, it's unreasonable
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0.6% Other - I'll share below
Cyclists forced to use ‘more dangerous’ crossing if cycleway closed
Closing a Christchurch cycleway to avoid an unsafe rail crossing will lead cyclists across an even “more dangerous” crossing, cycling advocates say.
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has weighed in on the issue, calling the move to shut a 1.5km section of the Heathcote Expressway for up to two years, “illogical”. He has asked KiwiRail to explain.
KiwiRail is demanding Christchurch City Council close part of the expressway until $6.5 million worth of safety improvements can be made to the Scruttons Rd rail crossing.
It said the “unsafe” crossing posed the risk of death or serious injury once every thousand years.
What do you do think? Read the full story by reporters Sinead Gill and Tina Law here and tell us what you think in the comments. (A subscription is required, but you can see two free articles a month).
House fire causing road closures
Pages Road is closed this afternoon from Breezes Road, this is due to a house that has caught fire in the area.
Coastal Ward Community Board member, Alex Hewison, shared the closure on a local Facebook page.
Fire and Emergency are at the scene but further details have not been shared at this stage.
Avoid the area where possible.