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Pedestrians get precedence in Alfred Street
AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL
MEDIA RELEASE
23 March 2007
Pedestrians get precedence in Alfred Street
Alfred Street will officially become the only pedestrian mall in Auckland on Monday, 2 April, improving safety at the University of Auckland’s CBD campus.
The change is a part of an agreement with the University to improve pedestrian safety and reduce congestion in the already busy thoroughfare prior to the Central transit corridor (CTC) becoming operative.
“Our move to restrict vehicles accessing Alfred Street and limit speeds to 10km/h means students will enjoy safer pedestrian access to different parts of the university,” says the council’s, chairperson of the Transport and Urban Linkages Committee, Councillor Richard Simpson.
“A joint investigation into pedestrian flows in the area, by the University of Auckland and the council showed us that the mall option would improve the street for the majority of users,” says Mr Simpson.
“Students only have a 10 minute gap between lectures and moving between university facilities safely can be difficult. The council wants to improve safety as we build the public transport network, such as the CTC, so that everyone gets the transport choices they need.
“We are also signalling that sustainable transport solutions are the way of the future by giving the street back to pedestrians, buses and cyclists,” says Mr Simpson.
University Registrar Tim Greville says the malling of Alfred Street will bring together busy sectors of the city campus. “The removal of what is now a crowded and dangerous thoroughfare for cars can only improve the environment for students, staff and visitors, says Mr Greville”
Only pedestrians, buses, cyclists, university service vehicles, and emergency services will be able to use the street. Parking areas move to new spots on Symonds and Princes streets.
The malling of Alfred Street will require minor works such as kerb extensions and pavement smoothing. The mall was specially designed to ensure that the heritage trees in the area are not disturbed by the changes.
Ends
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