|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Police are advising Aucklanders to expect traffic delays due to planned protests tomorrow Saturday.
Traffic management measures will be in place in the city area, and Aucklanders should make advance plans for journeys on January 31, police say.
Toitū Te Aroha is due to hold a rally at Te Komititanga Square around midday, before completing a hīkoi march to Myers Park up Queen Street, says police.
Meanwhile, Aucklanders are also advised of possible delays on part of the motorway network and roads near the central city, on Saturday, due to more potential protest activity.
A large-scale law enforcement operation will be running to prevent any unpermitted pedestrian access to the Auckland Harbour Bridge or motorway network, police say.
The Freedom and Rights Coalition’s permit to march on the bridge was declined in December by the New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, police say.
Inspector Jacqui Whittaker, of Auckland City Police, says the allowed Toitū Te Aroha protest is anticipated to draw a large crowd.
“We expect numbers to grow around Te Komititanga Square from mid-morning, with those taking part expecting to disperse from Myers Park in the afternoon.
“Police will be monitoring the hīkoi as it progresses up Queen St, and our focus is on ensuring this is completed safely.”
Police ask the public to remain patient around the central city, Whittaker says.
“Our focus is on ensuring those taking part can exercise their right to peaceful protest, while balancing minimising disruptions as much as possible.”
Police advice for Saturday transport commuters:
- Anyone travelling into the city should plan ahead.
- There will be detours in place for all bus services that travel to or through the city centre from approximately 11am, which could last for several hours.
- Those using public transport should check the AT mobile app and website for detailed changes to bus routes and which stops remain open.
- Customers should allow extra time accessing Waitematā Station (Britomart) and the Downtown Ferry Terminal.
- Motorists travelling through the city centre should prepare for detours and check Google Maps for road closures.
Auckland Harbour Bridge and motorway
Police say they have clearly advised the Freedom and Rights Coalition group that it will not facilitate access for it to the harbour bridge.
Superintendent Naila Hassan, the Waitematā Police district commander, says officers will be well placed to respond to unlawful attempts to access the bridge on foot.
“A large operation has been planned, with resource coming from across the Auckland region and other parts of the country,” she says.
“Our focus will be on ensuring everyone’s safety and to minimise any disruptions to those Aucklanders going about their business as much possible.
“If you’re accessing the motorway network near Victoria Park, or city centre and Ponsonby, please prepare ahead for delays and significant bus detours.”
Hassan says there’s no permit to access the motorway network on foot, and anyone attempting to do this will be acting unlawfully.
“Anyone attempting this will be subject to enforcement action, and we strongly urge anyone considering taking part to think about their actions.
“Police reiterate that the public have the right to protest, provided that it’s peaceful and lawful.”
She says police and NZTA jointly issued a statement of record earlier this month, outlining the risks to personal safety and infrastructure.
Police say they will continue to keep the public advised of any disruptions that arise through Saturday.
“We appreciate the public’s understanding in this matter.”
