Working on footpaths

Cassabella Lane

Hamilton City Council is committed to ensuring a safe environment for the general public and also promoting safe site work practices. This commitment is reliant on cooperation from all those involved in building, development and minor works.

As a builder, developer or contractor, what are your obligations in providing a safe footpath outside your work area?

The footpath and berm adjacent to the site is not part of the construction/work site.  As part of your construction or minor works process you must:

  • Ensure that the footpath is safe and usable by pedestrians, particularly for pushchairs, wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
  • Ensure that vehicles do not use the footpath or berm to park.
  • If vehicles need to cross the footpath and berm to access the site make sure they do not damage anything or create a health and safety issue.
  • Sand pads used to 'protect' the footpath can cause problems eg; blocking catchpits, they are also difficult for the public to cross over. If the final location of the vehicle crossing is known, one option is to use that for site access.
  • Other ways of protecting the kerb and footpath are preferable.
  • You will be required to maintain safe access for the public along the footpath at all times.

Children sitting on footpath kerb

What if you need to encroach into the public space?

If you have considered all other options and feel it is necessary for you to encroach onto the footpath or berm area please discuss this with the Road Corridor Co-ordinator before doing so. They will advise Council requirements. For further enquiries phone 838 6868.

Legislation

It is an offence under Section 357 of the Local Government Act 1974 to obstruct or place material on the "road". Council will require persons to remove such obstructions or recover costs incurred in having such obstructions moved. It is also an offence to park on the footpath and berm under the Parking Bylaw, and you will be issued with an infringement notice.

Al Fresco dinning

How do you comply?

Apply for "Temporary use of the Road Corridor" [Public space]. These forms are available from the Transportation Unit by phoning 838 6868 or download below

Apply for "Corridor Access Request".  These forms are available from the Transportation Unit by phoning 838 6868 or download below

There may be some costs dependant on the site location, size and conditions set by the Transportation Unit, these conditions will be primarily based on safety and amenity.

Contact


 
 
 
 
 
 
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Transportation Unit
Level 5, Council Offices
Garden Place
Hamilton City Council
Private Bag 3010
Hamilton 3240
Phone: 838 6868
Fax: 838 6440