Transit New Zealand
Christchurch Regional Office
7 March 2007
Media release

Drive-through surveys help future planning for Christchurch roads

Christchurch’s motorists may see some new signs on roads around the region during March. From Monday March 12, ‘TRAFFIC SURVEY’ signs will indicate the approach to a temporary drive-through site for either a roadside interview survey or the handout of a questionnaire.

The surveys form part of a major study jointly promoted by Transit New Zealand, Environment Canterbury, Christchurch City Council, Waimakariri District Council and Selwyn District Council with funding from Land Transport New Zealand.

A random sample of drivers will be invited to provide information relating to their journey; where they have come from, where they are going to, and the purpose of their trip. This data will be combined with a number of recently undertaken travel surveys to help complete the picture of how, why, when and where people travel within Greater Christchurch.

“These are the first comprehensive travel surveys in Christchurch since 1990” says project manager Michael Blyleven.

“The results will build a more accurate picture of drivers’ movements, which will help in developing a better transport system for Greater Christchurch that reflects the needs of current and future users.”

He says that motorists will either be asked a few brief questions at the roadside or be handed a reply-paid questionnaire to complete and return. The survey will not take long, and while it is not compulsory, co-operation from motorists who are asked to take part in this important exercise is greatly appreciated. Drivers should follow instructions given by the survey staff to minimise any inconvenience.

The company commissioned to conduct the surveys, Traffic Design Group Ltd, says they received excellent co-operation from drivers during trial traffic surveys in February, when around 4,000 drivers responded to interviews or returned a completed freepost questionnaire. During the March traffic surveys, travel information will be gathered from a further 25,000 drivers from various locations within Greater Christchurch.

For more information please see the Travel Survey website www.greaterchristchurch.org.nz/travelsurvey

ENDS

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