More detail available about central Christchurch traffic plan

25 November 2004

The Christchurch City Council today released for public information a detailed overview of its plan for central city transport, developed over 18 months by a cross-sector group.

The over-all concept is aimed at making the central city easy to get into and around, while balancing the needs of different types of transport – private cars, delivery vehicles, buses, cycles and pedestrians.

In the concept cars get good access to coordinated parking zones that hug the central city. It also features improved access for public transport, cycles and pedestrians. Private vehicles will still be able to drive through the core (the area bounded by the one-way system), and have access into and around the central city.

Slow movement 30km/h areas will be developed within the core on a street-by-street basis. These streets will receive special treatments to discourage through-traffic but maintain easy access to shopping and businesses for car users, bus passengers, pedestrians and cyclists.

Implementation of the concept will result in additional benefits to the central city, including reducing through-traffic in the core area by 15 per cent and enhanced safety for vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians. There are also potential economic benefits for the retail and tourism sectors and there will be an improved visual environment.

The concept was developed by a working party that included representatives of local Councils, business groups, transport operators and transport users.

Two public meetings have been scheduled for people interested in learning more about the proposed changes. They are on Wednesday, 1 December and Thursday, 2 December from 12-1pm at Our City O-Tautahi (Corner Worcester and Oxford Tce)

Residents can also access information about the concept by visiting www.ccc.govt.nz/centralcity or by emailing centralcitytransport@ccc.govt.nz or by writing to Central City Transport Concept, CCC, PO Box 237, Christchurch.

Top of Page ~ Media Release index