Pedestrians prioritised

CARS will have to make way for cyclists and pedestrians on Dunedin’s main street as a move to promote ‘‘active’’ transportation continues.

Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull said yesterday there had been calls to pedestrianise George St as part of the central city plan, and the council had listened.

‘‘We will definitely be heading in that direction.’’

Responding to questions about tension between cars and cyclists, Mr Cull said cycle lanes being built on the oneway system by the NZ Transport Agency were not the end of a move to promote cycling. The city ‘‘definitely’’ would see more changes.

Dunedin’s $60 million central city upgrade was approved by the council in May.

Construction was due in about a year, after detailed design work, public consultation and further council input.

The project will include roading, footpath and streetscape improvements and more pedestrianisation, to address public concerns about the central city’s shabby appearance.

Mr Cull said yesterday motor vehicles would have ‘‘a lower priority than they have at the moment’’ on the main street.

What that meant was not yet finalised, but there had been calls for pedestrianisation of George St, from total pedestrianisation to having shared spaces to closures at certain times of the day.