Council to remove unnecessary street clutter

Auckland city streets and public spaces are set for a tidy-up, thanks to a recent Auckland City Council City Development Committee decision to remove excessive signage, poles and other unnecessary street equipment.

"This will not only improve pedestrian safety, but create more open, attractive and functional public spaces," says Deputy Mayor David Hay.

He adds, "Tidying up redundant clutter will also benefit local businesses by freeing up public spaces to cater for a wide variety of street activities, such as shopping and events."

The council expects this initiative will save ratepayers significant money on ongoing implementation and upkeep of such signs and poles.

Auckland City Council is following in the footsteps of the United Kingdom, which has seen a "Save our Streets" campaign led by English Heritage since 2005. This campaign highlighted that 70 per cent of street clutter was unnecessary or duplicated and, as a result, many British cities have since instigated clutter-busting initiatives.

A signage review of the city is now under way and work to remove unnecessary street clutter will begin later in the year.