Footpath Policy

Policies

1.0 Purpose

This policy details the approach taken by the Timaru District Council (TDC) on the provision and management of footpaths throughout the District.

2.0 Background

The Timaru District Council supports walking and cycling through the provision of footpaths and cycleways/walkways. This approach is consistent with the District’s Active Transport Strategy and the Long Term Plan.

The provision of footpaths provides a safe facility for pedestrians to encourage active transport modes.

Footpaths have a considerable visual impact on the streetscape of our District and can contribute to the attractiveness of the streets and public spaces. They also provide safe routes for vulnerable users, such as the elderly, disabled, and young, to move to and from places within their community.

It is noted that the Local Government Act 1974, Section 331(1) permits the Council to impose a charge on the owners of any land or buildings fronting a footpath, of up to 50% of the costs incurred by the Council for the formation of a new footpath or upgrade, including any associated edging, kerbing and channelling work.

3.0 Key Definitions

  • CBD - Central Business District is the commercial and business centre of Timaru, Temuka, Geraldine, and Pleasant Point.
  • Council - The Timaru District Council or any officer of the Timaru District Council delegated by the Council to take action in relation to any particular law and / or bylaw, or to undertake the duties of a Council Officer under the law / bylaw, and any person appointed especially / generally by the Council to enforce the provisions of this law / bylaw.
  • Cycleways/walkways - A formed extra width off road footpath suitable for shared use by cyclists and pedestrians.
  • Footpath - Any part of the road or public place that is laid out or constructed by authority of Council for pedestrian use.
  • Pedestrian - Any person on foot or using powered wheelchair, mobility scooter, pushing a pram, or a wheeled means of conveyance propelled by human power, other than a cycle.
  • Road - This is the designated Council road and has the meaning assigned to it as defined in the Local Government Act 1974.
  • Rural urban areas - These area include, Temuka, Geraldine (including The Downs), Pleasant Point, Winchester, Woodbury, Peel Forest, Pareora, Orari, and Cave.
  • Streetscape - The visual appearance of a street and its surrounds.

4.0 Policy

  1. New footpaths shall be installed as outlined in the table below.
  2. The priority for new footpaths in rural urban areas is determined by the relevant Community Board.
  3. All footpaths shall be constructed to accepted standards using quality materials and fit for purpose. Materials and construction techniques used shall be suitable and appropriate for the location, and selected with consideration of the lifecycle costs of the footpath. Generally, footpaths shall be sealed with Asphaltic Concrete and have a minimum width of 1.4 metres.
  4. The maintenance of footpaths shall be undertaken at Council’s discretion to ensure the footpaths are fit for purpose, safe and the overall lifecycle cost is optimised.
  5. The renewal of footpaths shall be undertaken based on Asset Management Principles (priority based in road hierarchy, condition and pedestrian usage) to ensure the footpaths are fit for purpose, safe and the overall lifecycle cost is optimised. Renewal programmes are determined by Council.
  6. Only footpaths in the CBD areas are to be cleaned on a regular basis.
  7. Vehicle crossings (subject to condition) may be renewed in conjunction with footpath renewals at Council’s cost.
  8. Appropriate pedestrian kerb drop crossings will be installed at intersections when footpath renewals and new footpaths are being carried out.
  9. Where appropriate for safety, combined walkways/cycleways may be constructed as an alternative to footpaths.

Adopted 14 June 2016 District Services Committee

Last updated: 24 Feb 2021