20 Viaduct Harbour Avenue, Auckland 1010
Private Bag 92250, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
Phone 09 355 3553
Website www.AT.govt.nz
21 April 2023
Tony
[FYI request #22166 email]
Kia ora Tony,
Your request for information under the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987
(LGOIMA) – (case number CAS-705005-H3X0Z8)
I refer to your official information request dated 22 March 2023 regarding bus services travel ing on the
Auckland Harbour Bridge.
1. What assessment of the risk that a bus (specifical y, a double decker bus) could fal into Auckland harbour
after fal ing off Auckland Harbour bridge (for example, after a strong gust of wind)?
All our double decker buses are required to be tested for static tilt stability before being permitted to
operate, as required for al heavy vehicles on New Zealand roads.
No risk assessments have been completed regarding double decker buses fal ing off the Auckland harbour
bridge, therefore, your request is declined under s(17)(e) of th
e LGOIMA as the information does not exist.
2. What mitigation is in place to manage the risk that a bus could fal into Auckland harbour from Auckland
Harbour bridge?
Auckland harbour bridge is a Waka Kotahi asset, as such, AT complies with any restrictions that Waka Kotahi
may implement such as temporary reductions to speed limits to mitigate risks when identified. AT does not
have additional mitigations in place to reduce the risk of a bus fal ing into the Auckland harbour. Therefore,
your request is declined under s(17)(e) of th
e LGOIMA as the information does not exist.
3. What consideration has been given to preventing double decker busses from driving on the outside lane
of the Auckland Harbour bridge, to reduce the possibility of them fal ing into the harbour below?
AT has reviewed studies completed which are comparable to wind conditions that Auckland harbour bridge
receive. I have attached a document which contains links to these case studies. No risk assessments have
been completed regarding double decker buses driving on inside lanes of the Auckland harbour bridge,
therefore, your request is declined under s(17)(e) of th
e LGOIMA as the information does not exist.
We trust this clarifies your request, but should you believe that we have not dealt with your request
appropriately, you are able to make a complaint to the Office of the Ombudsman in accordance with section
27(3) of the LGOIMA and seek an investigation and review in regard to this matter.
Ngā mihi,
Darek Koper
Group Manager of Metro Services.