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Posts by The Press
930 days ago

KiwiRail and Christchurch City Council at odds over delays to cycleway work

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

From reporter Tina Law:

KiwiRail is putting communities at risk by causing delays to work on cycleways across Christchurch, a city councillor warns.

The state-owned enterprise tasked with managing the country’s rail network is being blamed by the Christchurch City Council for delays on at least four cycleway projects – all of which were supposed to be fast-tracked thanks to Government shovel-ready funding.

The proposed cycleway routes either cross or run parallel to KiwiRail’s tracks, therefore design changes are needed to make it safer for cyclists.

However, the design work requires approval from KiwiRail, and in many cases these have not been forthcoming or KiwiRail and the council disagree about the level of work that is required. Read the full story here.

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More messages from your neighbours
4 days ago

Poll: Is the increase in disability parking fines fair?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

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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Is the increase in disability parking fines fair?
  • 89% Yes, it's fair
    89% Complete
  • 10.3% No, it's unreasonable
    10.3% Complete
  • 0.7% Other - I'll share below
    0.7% Complete
3068 votes
1 day ago

Cyclists forced to use ‘more dangerous’ crossing if cycleway closed

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

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).

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M
13 hours ago

Peonys Saturday 2nd Nov

Marilyn from Northcote

Hi all...Sorry have run out of peonys today. Will update on here as soon as some bunches arrive at Oakland Street tomorrow