Premier Marinas has begun a month trial of the timed bridge closures to let boats in and out of locks. Before, boats would radio the marina office before leaving and the bridge would be raised for them.

Ian Weeks, communications officer for Sovereign Harbour Residents' Association, said, "We didn't expect the trial to be popular as it means that pedestrians arriving at the wrong time could experience a 15- minute wait, not too bad on a warm summer day but not very pleasant on a cold, wet, windy winter day.

"Even so, just three days into the trial, we have been very surprised at the number of negative comments we have received. We have even received an e-mail from a boat owner who feels that pedestrians are being disadvantaged.

"Although alternative routes are available, it means walking either right around the North Harbour or right around the South Harbour, which would take as long as the wait."

From 8am to 10pm daily, the bridge goes up at 10, 25, 40 and 55 minutes past the hour, to coincide with the opening of the locks where the boats are kept. Premier Marinas will conclude the trial on Monday, July 28.

Mr Weeks said he did not feel residents had been properly consulted, the first notice his association received being an e-mail asking members to notify people of the opening and closing times.
They want the trial to be halted until all interested parties can have their say.

Dave Needham, assistant marina manager, said he had had few complaints about the changes. The berth holders had been consulted as had residents.

He said the trial did not show favouritism to boat owners but that the planned bridge movements were safer for those using it to cross.

He added, "We want to make it easier for pedestrians to get around. It will be a little bit restrictive on them in some ways because they will have to look at their watches but before they would get pot luck whether the bridge was up or down and now they can look at their watches and know.

"This is about providing more organisation and more structure."