Roads and footpaths
We maintain our city's roads and footpaths for the benefit of all road users – pedestrians, cyclists and drivers.
Palmerston North's road network includes:
- 495km of road
- 65 bridges
- 510km of footpaths
- 7434 street lights
- 13,044 street trees
- 62km of cycle facilities
Responsibility for mowing berms
The general responsibility for mowing grass berms rests with the owners or occupiers of the adjacent property. The Council mows berms adjacent to Council properties and where a berm is so big we consider it unreasonable for the residents to mow.
Please take pride in your street, be a good citizen and ensure you mow your berm regularly.
When residents and landowners are unable or unwilling to mow a grass berm, Council contractors will maintain the berm as and when required, to alleviate fire risk. The timing and frequency of this service is at the Council's discretion and will vary depending on seasonal conditions and growth of the grass.
- Retirement village: owner arranges mowing
- Building with a body corporate: body corporate arranges mowing
- Blocks of flats: residents in common arrange mowing
- Townhouse: residents who share a berm should arrange mowing
- Cross-leased property: owners sharing the berm should arrange mowing
- Tenants: agree mowing arrangements with your landlord
- Landlords: agree mowing arrangements with your tenants
Berm gardens
Council will assess requests for berm gardens case by case. Because road berms are used to convey utilities and provide pedestrian access, berm gardens may be unsuitable in some locations.
A berm garden can become a health and safety or asset management risk if inappropriate vegetation is planted or if the garden is not maintained long-term. For example, if deep rooted vegetation is planted close to utility services, or if short and bushy plants obstruct sight lines for road and footpath users.
If your applications for a berm garden is approved, you will have to agree to reinstate the site to its previous state if you move. The applicant will be liable for any costs associated with maintaining or removing a berm garden.
Our long-term plan for safe and usable roads and footpaths
Council aims to provide the city with safe and easy-to-use roads. Our Strategic Transport Plan provides direction and guidance to the Council and other organisations on where to invest in the long-term development of the city's transport system.
We constantly strive to reduce the number of crashes. Improvements are based on studies done with Land Transport New Zealand every three to four years. Often small changes to traffic islands, signs and markings can significantly improve road safety.
Safety first when working on our roads and footpaths
PNCC staff and contractors perform maintenance on our roads and footpaths. All works must be completed to the following standards.
Street excavation:
Reinstatement work: