Huge support for railway station vehicle ban — council report
OVERWHELMING public support for a vehicle ban at the Dunedin Railway Station could bring a permanent closure one step closer.
The council ran a fourday trial in January, during which planter boxes were used to block vehicles from using the throughroad in front of the railway station.
The public response to the initiative appeared positive at the time.
And now a report released by the council, to be considered at next week’s infrastructure services and networks committee meeting, underlines the popularity of the change.
A public survey carried out during the trial gathered 172 responses, of which 80% supported the closure, while 9% supported it with some reservations.
Just 11% of respondents were against the initiative, the report by council senior transportation planner Susan Lilley said.
Those who backed the trial said the removal of cars and buses from in front of the railway station had ‘‘greatly improved’’ the look and feel of the building and improved safety, particularly for children and tourists.
Some concerns were raised about access, particularly for the elderly and those with mobility issues, while others worried about losing the convenience of parking in front of the building.
Feedback from tour operators was ‘‘mixed’’, as some noted the changes improved safety and the view for tourists taking photographs, while others worried about the loss of parking space.
The Otago Arts Society, a tenant inside the railway station, surveyed its members and found ‘‘wide concern’’, particular for those picking up and dropping off artworks.
The society also worried about the impact on visitor numbers, particularly a drop in cruiseship visitors, which made up a ‘‘large proportion’’ of its customers.
Other members noted the positive aspects of the change.
Council transport group manager Richard Saunders said plans for a second trial — in spring — were being developed, but feedback from it would be considered before any formal process to seek a permanent closure began.