Parking meters are a common sight around the country – but a proposal to install them in Devonport has left a heritage group unimpressed.
Some locals have suggested the meters would “spoil the charm” of the area.
Devonport Heritage chairperson Trish Deans told Breakfast: “When you come to Devonport, it’s pretty obvious it’s a heritage suburb.
“You walk down Victoria St, you see those 1880s and 1890s buildings, and it’s a wonderful set.”
Deans said when people look towards the playground and seaside, “you might just begin to understand the beauty of that”.
“Auckland Council has regulations for outstanding natural features, and that whole parade, both King Edward and Queens Parade are outstanding natural features. They just contribute to the natural landscape.”
She said, historically, “there is so much there”.
“The first landings of Kupe, the Tainui down further on Torpedo Bay … we have evidence of moa at that time and, in recent archaeological digs, a moa was found that no one knew had existed.
“We have 1866 buildings which where there for the navy on the Russian scare.
“We just have it all on that wonderful walkway.”
Deans said adding parking meters would add “too much signage” and spoil the look of the area. She said retailers wanted parking to remain free.
“We’re not happy about it.”
She said locals would prefer if AT used the money to improve Lake Road, and 80% to 90% of locals were opposed to the meters.
In a statement, Auckland Transport group manager of parking services John Strawbridge said: “We fully appreciate the special character of the area and how important it is both to locals and visitors.
“We haven’t yet made any decisions on whether paid parking will be implemented or not”.