Safety Concerns After More Coastal Walkway Vandalism

Vandals have caused more damage on the extension of New Plymouth’s Coastal Walkway.

On Monday night a car was again driven over Te Rewa Rewa Bridge and onto the walkway extension through to where construction is continuing near The Links. Security chains were then cut and the contractor’s shed broken into.

“Of real concern is that a serious accident or damage is inevitable if people keep being idiots and driving on the bridge and walkway,” says General Manager Community Assets Anthony Wilson.

“We’re now installing more permanent measures to keep out vehicles while construction on the walkway continues, and will have CCTV cameras in place as soon as possible.”

Contractor Chris Whitaker says problems started as soon as Te Rewa Rewa Bridge opened to the public.

“We have learned to not keep tools or diesel on site as they’re missing by the morning – which is usual for any construction job around the country – but we’re always finding some sort of damage,” he says.

“The damage is frustrating but we’re more concerned that someone is going to get seriously hurt.

“The embankments of the bridge don’t have guard rails like on state highways and a car could go over them and into the river quite easily.”

Anyone with information regarding the incidents on the Coastal Walkway is asked to contact the police.