The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has long had an aim to make New Zealand’s streets safer and more enjoyable.
Feedback resulting from a survey conducted during lockdown has further highlighted that this type of change is the reality people want to see.
Less traffic noise and an environment where residents can be safely active on their streets. The Tasman District Council has a project underway to trial ways that will provide the best solution towards making these changes happen.
The area of Richmond that encompasses all the streets within the boundaries of, and including, Croucher, Talbot, D’Arcy and Salisbury Road will be the focus of the project.
“What we want to do with this trial project is to use a co-design process to find the right solution,” says Jamie McPherson, transportation manager at Tasman District Council.
That means engaging the help of the community.
The council are planning different ways to involve local residents. The council has some initial ideas which could involve creating more space for residents to enjoy, making sections of the road narrower, introducing road-calming measures or closing one end of the road.
They’re only ideas at this stage, first, the council will seek the community’s input.
Together, whatever solution the council and community come up with will be a trial made up of temporary measures.
“Feedback from the people who live on these streets is hugely important,” says Jamie.
Funding for this project has already been received by the TDC from the Waka Kotahi/NZ Transport Agency as part of their Innovating Streets for People pilot fund.