Ask Phoebe: Pesky plantings due for a haircut

If you know of a roundabout where the foliage needs attention, let me know and I'll see what can be done. Photo / iStock

I always thought the function of roundabouts was to make traffic flow. So why are so many planted with tall and bushy plants? One of the worst examples of this is at College Rd-St John's Rd in Kohimarama, where traffic is so obscured you have to stop to make sure there are no cars coming. This surely defeats the purpose. Maggy Hamilton, Auckland.

I posed this question to Auckland Transport, which is the body responsible for such things. Here is their response:

"It is often a good idea to have low planting on roundabouts because this generally slows traffic speeds through the roundabout.

"Auckland Transport staff have checked the visibility concerns at the College Rd-St Johns Rd roundabout, and most of the planting is appropriate. However, they are happy to take on your concerns and will remove some of the vegetation."

A very satisfactory outcome, in my view. That being the case, if you know of a roundabout where the foliage needs attention, let me know and I'll see what can be done.

Could you tell me when resident permit parking will be introduced to streets around Auckland? How does it work and how are the streets selected? As a caregiver in the community I am finding it increasingly difficult to drive down some streets where cars are parked on both sides and cars are coming towards me.

I have even lost a wing mirror while parked visiting a client. Marie Telfer, Auckland.

Resident parking schemes operate in more than 60 streets in Auckland's inner-city areas such as the CBD, Ponsonby, Freemans Bay, Parnell and Grafton.

The policy provides a way to fairly share on-street spaces between different users, especially in areas where parking is in short supply. The goal is to balance the needs of all users, including residents, visitors, businesses and commuters.

There are two types of permits:

1. Residents only - this allocates a section of road for the exclusive use by permit holders (this scheme is gradually being phased out, with no new permits being issued).

2. Residents exempt - this allows a permit holder to park in a time-restricted or pay-and- display parking area without the need to comply or pay.

All resident parking permits are valid for one year and must be renewed annually.

For more information go to the legacy Auckland City Council Residential Parking Policy.