Council acts after bus drivers boycott Green Island stop

Dunedin Tramways Union secretary Philip Matthews at the Green Island bus stop, where drivers have refused to park. PHOTO: GREGOR RICHARDSON

The bus stop in question, on Main South Road outside the Green Island Tennis Club, is bordered on either side by car parks.

Bus drivers started refusing to park there on Wednesday, according to Dunedin Tramways Union secretary Philip Matthews.

Mr Matthews said as lines were being repainted at bus stops around the city, drivers wanted the council to include "yellow brick lines" to give drivers space to pull in and out of stops.

"They said they were going to get them fixed, but it's still not been done."

Hitting a car, or having to double park were the two main issues facing drivers.

One driver had already been in trouble with police for double parking, Mr Matthews said.

The Dunedin City Council said it was taking steps to sort the issue out after feedback from drivers.

Acting transport group manager Nick Sargent said the council removed parking spaces either side of the stop yesterday to create more room for buses to enter and exit.

Temporary bollards would be put in place, he said.

"We are reviewing the location of bus stops along Main South Rd, Green Island, so these temporary bollards may remain in place until we've confirmed the locations."