Why are we losing so many parks?
We have looked at a number of options and all involve the loss of car parks. The roundabout option involves relocating the pedestrian crossings further away from the intersection to maximise pedestrian safety and cannot be achieved without losing a number of car parks.
We will be looking for other opportunities for short-term parking. We are proposing the addition of 3-4 parking spaces after 9am on Hataitai Road when the bus stop is not required and 3-5 time limited (P60) parks on William Street so the overall loss in parks is less than the 13.
Why can we not try changing the Give Ways to Stop signage first?
This option provides some minor safety benefits by reducing driver confusion. However, this option does not provide the pedestrian safety needed on the zebra crossings at the intersection. With the current driver confusion, speed of vehicles and high numbers of pedestrians crossing to and from buses and the shops, merely changing the Give Ways to STOP control is not considered the safest option for pedestrians and vehicles using the intersection.
Will there be enough room for buses to manoeuvre round the roundabout?
We have consulted with Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) and the bus tracking movements with the proposed intersection layout have been taken into account with the design. The buses will, on the right hand turn from Waitoa Road to Moxham Ave, mount the outside perimeter of the central island of the roundabout. GWRC are comfortable with this.
Will the new layout of the intersection delay buses?
Our traffic modelling indicates that improved efficiency will be gained with the roundabout option.
Is there any reduction of current landscaped outdoor seating area?
There will in fact be added area(s) for place making with the proposals.
Will the proposal actually significantly reduce any perceived risk to pedestrians?
Certainly yes. The relocation of the zebra crossings and the roundabout will significantly improve safety for pedestrians and all road users at this intersection.
Why has the use of traffic lights apparently been discounted?
The results from our previous survey indicated that 59 % were opposed to signals and so we have considered the public opinion and revised the intersection improvements.
How strong is the push from the community for this change?
The results from our previous survey indicated that only 13% responded that no change was necessary.