Simon "Swampy" Marsh is trying a 40k limit.
“Swampy” Marsh, Your Eastern Ward City Councillor

Dear Wellington,
Motorways, rates, a vision for 2040, speed limits at 40k, graffiti in Kilbirnie, just a few of the issues that kept bubbling in council over the past month
Some of my highlights:
• Release of the proposed design for SH-1 from Buckle Street-Cobham Drive. I hope the final design will include the cycle/walkway option too. Make sure you have your say; one major concern is that the additional tunnel and Ruahine/Wellington road work is in the very distant future. Do you think this work needs to happen along with the Basin Reserve improvements?
• Average rates rise has been held at an average of 3.74% for Wellington. That’s very good but it is important we do not stifle the cities growth by screwing the lid down so tightly on spending. We may sneer at other cities with higher rates increases but if they are investing in infrastructure that attracts people and business Wellington will be left behind.
• The Kilbirnie Business Network group has had an enthusiastic start. They have identified concerns and opportunities in the Kilbirnie business centre. Sub committees will tackle these issues. 20th July is the next meeting if you would like to come along.
• I dislike graffiti and the taggers responsible. We all need to play a part in shutting down this anti-social behavior. A couple of my election ideas of “community cleanup crews” where locals have access to paint to clean up tags as quickly as possible, and a “community clean up day” have formed part of a Kilbirnie anti-graffiti strategy. Constable Theo Gommans has also had success re-educating tagging gangs into realizing how they are loathed by the community for their behavior. I would welcome your ideas on this too.
• A blanket, Wellington wide 40kmh speed limit is being investigated by council officers. I’d suggest you try driving at 40 k everywhere before forming an opinion. I am finding in many instances when there is little traffic about the lower speed seems unnecessary, at other times the environment is self-regulating. The police and AA so far seem rather lukewarm on the idea. What do you think?
• The indoor sports stadium is not far from opening. On the 27th August there will be a community open day, this will be a real test for traffic and it really does need some safe walking/cycling access across Cobham Drive. It is an impressive building inside but is it really going to be that yellow colour?
• Thinking buses and Wellington Towards 2040, lower Cuba Street from the James Smith corner seems to be a perfect mix of cars, pedestrians, parking and attractive landscaping. Now if there was an alternative route for buses instead of Willis Street and Lambton Quay and the golden mile was like this short stretch of Cuba Street, how do you think that would work?
Simon “Swampy” Marsh
Wellington City Councillor

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