Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board has decided to end the Onehunga Low Traffic Area pilot project. The decision was made under the board’s urgent decision-making process after a briefing this morning due to vandalism and disruption at the project site.
Over the past 72 hours, the instalments – wooden crates, traffic management signage, metal dividers – in the Low Traffic Area around Arthur and Grey Streets were illegally moved and damaged, causing serious road and pedestrian safety issues and with significant costs involved in reinstallation and temporary traffic management measures.
The temporary installations, aimed at slowing traffic and making it safer for people walking or biking around the Arthur and Grey Streets neighbourhood, have been divisive since being installed in April of this year.
“There was a concerning escalation of criminal activity by a minority which has resulted in serious public safety issues, including a number of reported near-misses involving cars and pedestrians. In the face of threats to continue this dangerous behaviour, the board felt the only response was to call an end to the trial,” says Maria Meredith chair of Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board.
“It was clear to us that there was an increasing social cost falling on local board members, the teams working on the project and indeed a widening divide within the community.”
“It is disappointing to see this project come to an end under such circumstances, because the main goals of the Innovating Streets projects still remain an important part of what will make our city a great place to live in the future.”
“It’s a sad fact that as intensification increases, traffic is going to get a lot worse in our neighbourhood streets.”
Work to reinstate the standard road layout will begin immediately and is expected to take up to four days to complete.
The community is encouraged to remain vigilant around these streets, especially while contractors work in the area.
More information on the decision, and confirmation on the future of Eastview Low Traffic pilot project will be provided on the akhaveyoursay project page and via the local board Facebook page when available.
