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Army Bay residents are calling on Auckland Transport (AT) and the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board to take urgent action to make Whangaparāoa Road safer near Fisherman’s Rock Reserve.
Resident Kathy Fandam, who lives opposite the reserve, has launched a petition seeking traffic-calming measures and a pedestrian crossing at the dip in the road where people cross to the beach and park.
She says the 50km/h stretch has become increasingly dangerous.
“There are regular near-misses from drivers speeding down the hill,” Fandam says. “Lots of animals are killed too, such as ducks, rabbits and seabirds. In summer this place is really busy, but there’s no safe crossing for families trying to reach the beach.”
The issue has been under review since 2021, but residents say they have seen no progress. AT advised recently that it is waiting for updated pedestrian-count data before considering changes, but locals argue the 2019 figures being used are out of date.
“Army Bay has grown so much since then,” Fandam says. “There are more young families and visitors, and we see daily how fast people drive through here.”
Residents are asking for speed reduction measures and a pedestrian crossing or lights to protect walkers and cyclists.
“Our families deserve to walk safely in our community without fear of speeding vehicles,” she says.
According to residents, previous AT investigations found no need for changes, but complaints about speeding have continued, with several lodged with police this year.
The petition, circulating through social media and local networks, calls for safer speeds from the Gulf Harbour roundabout through to the Fisherman’s Rock dip.
Supporters can sign the petition online or at local businesses in the area.
