Churchgoers have resorted to parking illegally on a West Auckland shared foot and cycle path and it's not going down well with cyclists.

The parking on Harbourview Orangihina Reserve on Te Atatū Rd had always been an issue but lately it's caused an uproar in the Te Atatū Peninsula community.

Auckland Transport said it had received several complaints about vehicles parked on the footpath and on the grass verges on Te Atatu Road, and issuing $40 fines did not seem to deter the practise.

﻿The illegal parking was particularly noticeable during services at the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa opposite.

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CHRIS MCKEEN/STUFF The obstructive parking was more noticeable during services at a church across the reserve.

Bike Te Atatu's Melanie Dixon said it was dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians.

"When there is a big event at the church across the road, people have been driving onto the bike path to park on the road verge or park," Dixon said.

"This is exactly where people must cross Te Atatū Rd, and this doesn't just impact people on bikes as it is a major crossing point for pedestrians."

CHRIS MCKEEN/STUFF Cyclists are left with very little or no space at all because of the illegal parking on Harbourview Orangihina Reserve.

The church refused to comment when approached by Stuff.

According to Auckland Transport, 139 people rode the path every day during winter, with the number increasing during the warmer seasons.

Dixon said it was important that people felt safe where they walked or cycled.

"That's why many of our members get upset when people drive on the bike path – it's not safe."

Auckland Transport spokesperson Mark Hannan said they had spoken with the church about the issue.

Hannan said people could be ticketed for obstructing a footpath but not for parking on berms, unless there were signs outlawing it.

On August 31 during a funeral service at the church, AT issued three footpath infringements.

"We went and talked to the church about this and explained to them that it was illegal," Hannan said.

"At that stage we managed to get everyone off the footpath but we have reinforced with the church if vehicles are parked on the footpath they could receive tickets and possibly get towed."

But Henderson Massey Local Board chairman Shane Henderson said it wasn't just the church goers that should be called out for their illegal parking.

"Problems can occur when it is used regularly, and especially when the grass is wet," Henderson said.

"We have seen damage to the park, which the whole community is worried about. It creates dangerous traffic problems for cyclists and pedestrians."

He said the reserve has also been used as an overflow parking for community events, usually once a year and during the summer to mitigate damage to the grass.

Will Flavell, a fellow local board member, advised people to take advantage of the draft Harbourview-Orangihina Park Masterplan and offer their feedback before September 9.

Dixon said the draft masterplan was a great opportunity for everyone to have a say because plans included restricting vehicle access to the park.

"Bike Te Atatu will be making a submission in support of this, as well as the proposal to improve pedestrian crossings across Te Atatu Road.

"We know the church hosted a big event recently, which increased the numbers of people looking to park near the church, but there are better options such as parking further away, using public transport, or carpooling."

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