Auckland's Mt Eden could be a vehicle free zone following a decision by the Tūpuna Maunga o Tāmaki Makaurau Authority today but the outcome could cause concern for many locals.
Implementation started back in 2011 when Auckland Council stopped heavy vehicles and tour bus access to the summit and now that could apply to small vehicles.
Accessibility is also a concern for the elderly and people with disabilities.
According to a bystander, “The elderly and the disabled should have a special dispensation to drive their people up and drop them off. For the abled body I think it’s a lovely walk up here and when you walk up here it’s such a lovely reward.”
Another bystander says, “My mum who is 97 in June, there’s no way that she would of been able to get up here, so it’s very important it stays open.”
The Maunga Authority are looking at installing two electronic gates, the public will then be required to walk 200 metres to the summit. The Maunga Authority will also be meeting tonight, to give a final decision.