Hearings Committee

Traffic and Parking Bylaw

MINUTES

 

Minutes of an ordinary meeting of the Consultation Hearings held in the Council Chambers, Dunedin Public Art Gallery, The Octagon, Dunedin on Wednesday 01 July 2026, commencing at 10:00 am

 

PRESENT

 

Chairperson

Cr Cherry Lucas

 

 

 

 

Members

Cr Mandy Mayhem

 

 

Cr Lee Vandervis

 

 

IN ATTENDANCE

Scott MacLean (General Manager City Services), Jeanine Benson (Group Manager Transport), Simon Spiers (Team Leader Regulation Management – Transport) and Rose Wunrow (Policy Analyst – Transport Regulation)

 

Governance Support Officer                  Rebecca Murray

 

 

 

 

1          Declarations of interest

Members were reminded of the need to stand aside from decision-making when a conflict arose between their role as an elected representative and any private or other external interest they might have.

 

 

Moved (Cr Cherry Lucas/Cr Mandy Mayhem):

That the Committee:

 

a)         Notes the Elected Members' Interest Register; and

b)        Confirms the proposed management plan for Elected Members' Interests.

Motion carried (CH/2026/015)

 

 

 

2         SPEAKING SCHEDULE

 

 

A report from Governance provided a schedule of submitters who wished to present to the Committee.

 

Discussion was held regarding out-of-scope submissions and potential next steps. It was noted that these matters may be considered further through a future Council workshop, anticipated later this year or next year, subject to scheduling.

 

The following submitters presented to the Committee:

 

 

 

John Marrable, Accessibility Auditor - 1297850

Mr Marrable spoke in support of improved accessibility provisions, highlighting the challenges faced by wheelchair-accessible van users who require longer parking spaces and additional room for ramp access. He acknowledged Council's efforts to provide longer mobility parking spaces and suggested consideration be given to "van only" mobility parking and increased use of loading zones to better support drop-off and pick-up needs for people with disabilities. He also outlined the operation of mobility parking permits and emphasised the importance of accessible parking in enabling participation in community and economic activities.  Mr Marrable responded to questions.

 

 

 

Mary O’Brien, CCS Disability Action - 1298553

 

Ms O’Brien spoke to her submission and acknowledged the Council's ongoing engagement with the disability community and the accessibility information provided through its processes. She supported the need for mobility parking that accommodates a range of user needs, including larger vehicles travelling to Dunedin for medical appointments. Ms O’Brien discussed the administration and advocacy work associated with mobility parking permits, including monitoring accessibility issues and mobility park usage. She noted that demand for accessible parking was likely to increase in the future and responded to questions alongside Mr Marrable regarding mobility parking permits and accessibility considerations.

 

 

3         SUMMARY OF CONSULTATION ON PROPOSED TRAFFIC AND PARKING BYLAW 2026 AND STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS ON MATTERS RAISED

 

 

The Committee considered the report summarising submissions and feedback received during consultation on the proposed Traffic and Parking Bylaw 2026, along with staff analysis and recommendations.

Members discussed concerns raised by submitters regarding Council's ability to make certain decisions by resolution, including matters relating to shared zones and other traffic controls. During discussion, it was noted that Council resolutions must be exercised within the powers and obligations established by legislation and cannot override statutory requirements. Members noted that the Local Government Act 2002 sets out consultation, decision-making and engagement requirements that must be considered and complied with when making decisions. Staff advised that any resolutions made under the bylaw would remain subject to all applicable legislative requirements and that any amendments to the drafting would need to be considered in the context of the bylaw as a whole.

Discussion was also held regarding the inclusion of provisions relating to unformed roads and the purpose of clause 27. Staff advised that the clause did not create additional powers for Council but consolidated existing provisions from other bylaws to improve accessibility and efficiency. Members considered the implications of removing the clause, including the need to retain and separately review existing bylaw provisions at a later date.

Members expressed varying views on some aspects of the proposed bylaw, including the balance between the needs of different user groups. Staff noted that the bylaw provided a regulatory framework, with specific decisions regarding road use and traffic management continuing to be made by Council through separate statutory and Council decision-making processes.

 

 

 

Moved (Cr Cherry Lucas/Cr Mandy Mayhem):

 

That the Committee:

a)              Considered the submissions received on the proposed Traffic and Parking Bylaw 2026, including the staff analysis and recommendations, and deliberated on the amendments requested by submitters through both written and oral submissions.

b)             Recommends that Council adopts the proposed Traffic and Parking Bylaw 2026.

Motion carried (CH/2026/016)

 

 

 

The meeting concluded at 11.30am.

 

 

 

..............................................

CHAIRPERSON