Tinkering with speed in George St is confusing

THE Dunedin City Council’s latest plan for the city centre, and the claim that this will in some way mitigate the effects of the Covid19 outbreak, is yet another bizarre offering from this ideologically driven public body.

We are told that pedestrians will be expected to share the road with vehicular traffic but there is no mention of how the untrained, yet enthusiastic, riders of the soontoreturn electric scooters will be expected to behave.

These toys are capable of speeds of 28kmh, and the council has given them free run of the city with no limit on their speed. They will not share space safely with vehicles and pedestrians.

In addition to the ‘‘more than 70 speedlimit signs which are ready to be put in place’’, Dr Bidrose assures us that there are ‘‘many, many, many’’ of the irritating and ugly Dunedin logos which are to be painted on our roads as extra distractions.

This has been rushed through as an ‘‘emergency measure’’ so, of course, no consultation has taken place — nor will it, ever. The Dunedin ratepaying cash cows must continue to accept whatever bizarre plans are thrust upon them by this outofcontrol council, at least until the next local election.

My suspicion that this is an opening salvo in the war against motor vehicles may prove unfounded and unworthy, but I very much doubt it.

Tony Newton

Mosgiel

MAYOR Hawkins’ support for a pedestrianfocused inner city needs serious consideration, as one effective measure for encouraging Dunedinites to stay local.

This initiative needs to be flanked by urgent investment in the attractiveness of local leisure and recreation opportunities in and around town.

The total breakdown of New Zealand’s tourism system will reduce Dunedin’s income from international tourists of some

$208 million per year to less than $5 million for 202021.

A very slow recovery will mean carnage in the hotel and hospitality sector with only one way out: by creating foot traffic, and by bringing out new ideas that improve locals’ quality of life.

The hospitality sector is called upon to help attract and engage locals, and thereby help the retail sector in town as a whole.

Slowing down traffic, attracting pedestrians and increasing recreation attractions in and around town is the only chance to reflect vibrancy and show the rest of the country that it’s all right here. Juergen Gnoth

Waitati MAYOR Aaron Hawkins has taken advantage of the Covid19 pandemic to push his pedestrianising agenda of central Dunedin.

Businesses have taken a huge hit due to the lockdown.

Many face an uncertain future, and one would believe the DCC would be there to support these businesses.

Instead, we have a mayor who has no real work experience, no business experience, doesn't understand the value of a dollar and is telling businesses what is best for them, despite their calls to be listened to and consulted with.

We have seen a rise in mental health issues during the lockdown with businesses closing down and facing bankruptcy, and people losing their livelihoods and jobs.

What the mayor is pushing ahead with has the potential to exacerbate this issue and hinder Dunedin instead of helping. Let's take a breath and listen to those who have the experience.

M. Meyers

Portobello