Have your say on proposed parking scheme and bike routes

It is also time to learn about and have your say on a new scheme and permit system that will more fairly manage parking pressures in Newtown and Berhampore.

Have your say

All three proposals are open for feedback from today until Sunday 8 October, and there are lots of opportunities to drop-in, and find out more. You can see plans, find out more about the proposals, and provide feedback at transportprojects.org.nz.

The proposals involve:

•           significant suburb-wide changes to the way parking and parking permits are managed to increase short stay and residents parking in the residential streets in Newtown and Berhampore

•           bike, bus and pedestrian improvements between Island Bay and Newtown to complete the safe bike connection from the south coast to the city – with changes to parts of Rintoul Street, Luxford Street and Adelaide Road, and small sections of Riddiford Street and The Parade

•           bike, bus and pedestrian improvements through Karori to the Botanic Garden ki Paekākā to complete the safe bike connection from the west to the city – with changes to Karori Road, Chaytor and Glenmore streets.

Mayor Tory Whanau says Pōneke must be fit for the future – and street changes like these are key to that.

“Wellingtonians have made it clear they want action on climate change and transport.  These plans are important because they extend and connect bike, bus and pedestrian improvements already in place to complete our first two connected bike routes all the way into the city.”

“New-style parking and permit schemes are important for the future of the city too,” the Mayor says. “They will be tailored to local needs and used to better manage parking pressures.”

The Council is looking to make changes to where, and how long, people can park in residential streets in Newtown and Berhampore next year – introducing a mix of two-hour (except for residents with permits) and unrestricted parking spaces on most streets.

Residents who live in the scheme area, and are eligible, will be able to apply and pay for a permit that will allow them to park in the P120 (resident permit exempt) spaces for as long as they want. The scheme will replace existing resident parking. 

Deputy Mayor and Paekawakawa/Southern Ward Councillor Laurie Foon encourages residents and people who regularly come to these suburbs for work or other purposes to check what’s planned and provide feedback.

“The scheme has been developed in line with our 2020 Parking Policy and is similar to ones that work well in other cities. But it is different from the way parking in our inner-city suburbs has been managed in the past and a prototype for the way we plan to do it in future – so we do want to hear what people think so we can make adjustments.

“The changes prioritise residents and provide for people who just want to park for a couple of hours to visit someone, shop or go to the market. Unrestricted parking spaces will remain free, which keeps costs down for hospital workers who need to drive, but there will be fewer of them so commuters may need to park a bit further away or consider other transport options.”

The Council is seeking feedback on bike, bus and pedestrian improvements between Newtown and Island Bay that include:

•           separated bike lanes on the uphill sections of Adelaide Road and Rintoul Street, with shared traffic lanes on the downhill parts

•           separated bike lanes on both sides of Luxford Street and the northern end of The Parade

•           lots more safe places to cross including new raised pedestrian crossings 

•           faster bus trips, and bus stop changes

•           parking removal along the route and some changes, including off-street options to retain the same amount of parking near Wakefield Park.

We’re also seeking feedback on bus, bike and pedestrian improvements between west Karori and the Botanic Garden ki Paekākā that include: 

•           changes to bus stops, bus lanes, and road layout that have been planned with Greater Wellington and Let’s Get Wellington Moving to improve travel times for buses and provide for more or longer buses 

•           uphill bike lanes on Glenmore Street, Chaytor Street and sections of Karori Road

•           lots of safer new crossings

•           parking removal and changes.

Councillors will consider and make decisions on the proposals in December. If approved, the new parking scheme will be introduced in stages, starting with Berhampore and Newtown west in the first half of 2024. Work to make the route between Newtown and Island Bay and Karori and the Botanic Garden safer is expected to start in early 2024.   

Drop-in sessions in Newtown and Berhampore

•           Saturday 16 September – Wakefield Park, Adelaide Road, 9am–12 noon

•           Monday 18 September – Daniell Street Community Hall, corner of Constable and Daniell streets, 4.30pm –6.30pm

•           Tuesday 19 September – corner of Rintoul and Riddiford streets, 7am–9am

•           Saturday 23 September – Newtown market, Newtown School, Mein Street, 9am–12 noon

•           Tuesday 26 September – Newtown Community Centre, corner of Rintoul and Colombo streets, 10am–2pm

•           Thursday 28 September – Centennial Community Centre Berhampore, 493 Adelaide Road, 4pm–6pm

Drop-in sessions in Karori

•           Sunday 17 September – Botanic Garden entrance, 10am–12 noon

•           Thursday 21 September – Karori Community Centre, 1pm–3pm, and Karori Library, 4.30pm–6.30pm 

•           Saturday 30 September – Karori Park, 9am–12 noon

It’s easy to provide feedback on our website transportprojects.org.nz and staff will be available at drop-in sessions to assist people who would like help to do this.  If preferred, FreePost feedback forms can be downloaded and printed, or requested by phoning 04 499 4444.