FAQs

The purpose of the bylaw is to regulate the use of vehicles on roads under the control of the Stratford District Council.

This is to protect the road from undue damage, at all/certain times of the year, while maintaining a certain service level all year round for key road users.

This bylaw would allow Council to restrict access of roads under its control.

The draft bylaw currently proposes specific restrictions on Whangamomona Road. These are outlined below:

1. Between 1 May to the Friday prior to Labour Day every year, all motor vehicles and vehicles are prohibited.
2. Between the Friday prior to Labour Day to 30 April every year, the following vehicles are prohibited:
   • 2WD vehicles.
   • Motor homes.
   • Caravans.
   • Any other vehicle that is deemed unsuitable to use this road.
     
     Only the following activities and vehicles are permitted:
   • Walking
   • Cycling
   • Horse trekking
   • Motorcycling (off-road/trial bikes)
   • 4WD vehicles (specifically for off-road use)
   • Tractors

Read the full bylaw under Key Documents.

In accordance with Section 155 of the LGA, the Council must determine the following three things in making a Bylaw:

• Whether a Bylaw is the most appropriate way of dealing with the issue;
• Whether the Bylaw is in the most appropriate form; and
• Whether the Bylaw has any inconsistencies with the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990.

There are no immediate requirements for funding regarding the draft Restricted Access to Roads Bylaw 2025. The bylaw is expected to reduce maintenance costs by protecting restricted roads and minimising damage.

Any new provisions in the draft Vehicle Crossings Bylaw 2025 can be addressed using the existing roading budget indicated in the Council’s Long Term Plan (LTP) 2024-2034. 

Any new funding requirements will be subject to the Long Term Plan 2027 - 2037 process and New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Regional Land Transport Programme (RLTP).