To support the operation and development of an integrated transport network, this section provides for public transport facilities and walking and cycling facilities which may be located outside the road network (which is covered in 1.1 Infrastructure) and are not otherwise provided for in the Unitary Plan.
Parking is an essential component of Auckland’s transport system as it can have major implications for the convenience, economic viability, design and layout of an area. It is important that parking is managed and provided in a manner that supports urban amenity and efficient use of land. It can also be managed to have a significant influence on reducing car use, particularly for commuter travel. This in turn reduces the growth in traffic, particularly during peak periods, and achieves a more sustainable transport system.
The approach to parking provided with an activity or development is outlined below:
•there is no requirement for activities or development to provide parking in the following zones and locations:
•the City, Metropolitan, Town and Local Centres (with the exception of identified non-urban town and local centres) zones
•the City Centre Fringe overlay
•the Terrace Housing and Apartment Buildings zone and the Mixed Use zone
•instead, a maximum limit has been set on the amount of parking that can be provided on a site. This approach supports intensification and public transport and recognises that for most of these areas, access to the Rapid and Frequent Service Network will provide an alternative means of travel to private vehicles
•in all other areas, a minimum level of parking is required to accompany any activity or development. A maximum limit is set on the amount of parking that can be provided for offices.
Standalone parking facilities which are not accessory to activities or development on the same site are provided for and will be individually assessed.
To support cycling and other active transport modes, such as walking and cycling, some activities and developments are required to provide cycle parking as well as end-of-trip facilities. Off-road pedestrian and cycling facilities are also provided for to complement facilities located in the road network.
The Unitary Plan’s approach to parking will be supported by the development and implementation of comprehensive parking management plans for centres, with particular priority given to the metropolitan centres. Comprehensive parking management plans assist with the integrated management of both off-street and on-street parking in centres, and will provide guidance for assessing applications which affect the supply of parking.
This section also addresses loading, the design of parking and loading, access from activities and developments to the road, and access around road/rail level crossings.
In addition to the Auckland-wide Transport rules, Auckland Transport’s Code of Practice (ATCOP) provides further guidance around parking, loading and access, and it sets out Auckland Transport’s engineering standards for the construction of vehicle crossings. NZTA manages access to state highways under the Land Transport Management Act 2003.
Activities or subdivision which generate higher amounts of traffic, and which seek to locate outside of the most intensive centres and residential zones, are required to demonstrate how the proposal would integrate with the transport network. This includes addressing the transport impacts of the proposal on the effective, efficient and safe operation of the local transport network.