The Auckland Harbour Bridge. Photo: Tom Kitchin
Motorists should brace for "significant disruption" around Auckland's Harbour Bridge on Saturday morning, during a march in support of Palestine.
Almost a 1000 people have signed up, via Facebook, for the 'March for Humanity' protest, which will start at Stafford Park in Northcote at 9.30am.
Protesters will march across the Auckland Harbour Bridge and then to Victoria Park in central Auckland.
The protest is expected to cause significant disruption to southbound traffic crossing over the Auckland Harbour Bridge, police said.
Motorists are asked to adhere to NZ Transport Agency advice and use detours, including State Highway 16 and State Highway 18, if possible
Relieving Waitematā District Commander Stefan Sagar said police were still planning their response.
"The police role with any protest is to ensure this activity is both peaceful and lawful," he said. "The safety of all road users, the public, our police staff and the protesters is our priority.
"A large group of protesters accessing the motorway network poses significant safety risks to those taking part, as well as other motorists. There would also be disruptions across the network."
He said Aucklanders should plan for disruptions, but "particularly around the Auckland Harbour Bridge and surrounding motorway network".
Weather may also pose safety risks to pedestrians in that area, police said.
"While police respect the right to protest, we have reiterated safety concerns to organisers as part of ongoing communication," Sagar said.
"Our expectation is that protestors move safely and efficiently on the day."
A Transport Agency spokesperson said it and Auckland Transport would provide real-time updates on Saturday morning.
"NZTA and AT will be closely monitoring the impact on the city's network through our Auckland traffic operations centre, and will provide real-time updates for road users on any delays or disruptions," they said.
"We encourage all travellers to check back on our real-time channels, including the NZTA journey planner and our NZTA Auckland social media pages, on the day, before travelling. Any public transport impacts will be advised via the AT Mobile app and website."
Police also noted they were liaising with the protest organisers.
RNZ has approached the organisers for comment.
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