A long-time Maungatapu resident believes the integration of a public rest area and boat ramp on State Highway 29 will put an end to dangerous parking beside the Maungatapu Bridge.

Barry Benton is urging the NZ Transport Agency to consider developing the roadside amenity, southbound just before the Maungatapu Bridge, by clearing the overgrown scrub and creating access to a picnic area.

Tauranga City councillor Steve Morris and Maungatapu resident Barry Benton at the old ski lane and beach. Photo: Bruce Barnard.

A popular access way to the harbour side of the bridge in the 1970s, Barry says the forgotten area 'ticks all the boxes” for eliminating dangerous parking, as well as creating better vehicle access to the ski lane and a perfect rest area.

'Tired drivers are a very serious road safety issue at the moment and there are no areas around here where tired drivers can pull over for a sleep or a snooze or a picnic or a cup of tea. That is one right on the edge showcasing our magnificent harbour.

'From a safety aspect, the NZTA are extending the centre barrier from Te Maunga down towards the Maungatapu Bridge and that will enforce a left turn in and left turn out of the rest area.”

The location where Barry Benton is urging the NZ Transport Agency to consider developing the roadside amenity, southbound just before the Maungatapu Bridge.

Owned by NZTA as a designated roading reserve, Barry believes the proposal is a 'very simple job”, with the clearing of bush and scrub and some resealing of the existing road required before additions can be made.

Barry, who is in talks with NZTA, feels there is a need for some political will from Tauranga City Council to seriously consider the initiative, despite the cost.

'Obviously there will be some cost, but I think the cost is minimal when you trade off the road safety benefits – let alone the public-amenity benefits.

'There is really nowhere else off the state highway that gives a rest area beside the water in our local area.”

Tauranga City councillor Steve Morris, who visited the proposed area with Barry, feels the initiative will add tremendous value to the community as there are very few access ways to beaches on the inner harbour from the State Highway.

'[Barry has] seen people parking right along by the Maungatapu Bridge to get down to the beach. And we have an issue with people pulling out in front of fast-flowing traffic,” says Steve.

'By getting the NZTA to put a rest area down there, we are probably opening up one of the better harbour beaches there is.”