Trucks waiting for ferries may have an alternative to parking on Picton streets if a facility in Waitohi Domain is built.

Money has been set aside in Marlborough District Council’s Long Term Plan to terminate Port Marlborough’s lease of the domain and use it for parking complete with a new ablutions block.

After the Kaikōura earthquake, when SH1 was closed, Council obtained partial funding from the government to build a temporary truck park on Waitohi Domain, which catered for up to 26 truck and trailer units. Once the highway reopened, the land was leased to Port Marlborough.

Since then there have been increasing issues with trucks parking on Picton streets with Council receiving complaints from residents regarding noise at night from refrigerated trucks and safety concerns. Council surveys have found more than 50 trucks and trailer units parked in Picton streets when ferries are delayed.

While the Riverlands Truck Stop near Blenheim provided toilets, showers, a laundry and a place to have a meal, a similar facility was needed closer to the ferry terminal.

An ablutions block with a swipe card system, similar to that used at Riverlands, could be installed with an estimated cost of $400,000. The cost of terminating the lease with Port Marlborough is $209,500.