Auckland City Introduces Pilot Scheme to Tackle Street Prostitution

Auckland City is launching a pilot initiative to place temporary barricades on side streets along a known sex-trafficking route referred to as ‘The Blade’ in an effort to reduce street prostitution.

Councilor Charlene Wang from District 2 suggested adding a fence on International Boulevard near 14th Street to limit the interaction between potential clients, known as Johns, and sex workers.

The plan involves setting up water-filled traffic barriers along 9th, 10th, and 11th Avenues, which are away from the primary traffic of International Boulevard, as Wang explained in comments to KTVU about the area near a local clinic and elementary school.

The aim here is to restrict access to these side streets, effectively steering illicit activities toward the main roads and facilitating policing efforts against those engaging in sex for money.

“International is like the main corridor,” noted Wang. “However, most of the transactions happen in the side streets, so we need to close these off to eliminate purchasing activities there.”

“In a way, it’s about pushing it back onto International Boulevard. This should make it easier for law enforcement,” she added.

Nevertheless, reactions from residents and local business owners indicate skepticism. Parking and traffic issues have raised concerns about the effectiveness of this strategy.

David Nguyen, owner of AutoElectric Car Wash, expressed doubts: “No, it’s always been here on the corner.”

In a Facebook post, various perspectives emerged regarding the proposal.

One commenter argued: “The answer lies in community security, not roadblocks.”

Another chimed in, suggesting that “both…and a police presence needs a social worker involved.”

A third individual advocated for resources directed at aiding victims of sex trafficking, including access to education, job training, and health care. “Barriers won’t fix the problem and would just waste funds. It’s critical to distinguish between sex workers, who may choose their paths, and those coerced into it,” they noted.

Some sex workers interviewed by KTVU also expressed that such barriers wouldn’t hinder their activities.

Wang acknowledged that this is still a concept in its infancy, and its potential success in curbing street prostitution remains uncertain.

This initiative aligns with a new ordinance the city implemented earlier this year, criminalizing “loitering with intent to purchase commercial sex.” The policy also introduces fines for both traffickers and properties used for prostitution, along with plans for a “trafficking victim support fund.”

This new proposal succeeds a past effort where a blockade was set up along 16th Street. The pilot program is expected to kick off in June.

The newspaper has reached out to Wang and the Oakland Police Department for additional insights.