Research and experience back up street feelings

COUNCILLORS need to get their heads out of the clouds and put their ears to the ground. I question the Richard Thomson article (Opinion, 19.5.20): ‘‘Retailers need to do research, experiment and be willing to adapt’’.

Research? I have researched and witnessed retail all over the world. Pedestrianisation in outside malls definitely can work in some areas. However, a onesizefitsall mentality should not be brought to the argument for Dunedin. Density of population, climate, geographical nature of the landscape, road networks and parking, accessibility of consumers in cars, trains, buses, taxis; all come into the mix to their success or failure. To date, the council has not proven to me the above necessities for success have been ticked off.

Experiment? This council has certainly experimented: from light shows and Octagon closures to bus stop removals and now 10kmh speed zones with gridlocking light phases. All have had a detrimental effect on cash register turnovers.

Adapt? How can consumers adapt when the council has not provided any alternative for parking and traffic flow north, south, east and west through George St?

In relation to Richard’s comment, ‘‘Can we start listening to less outraged retailers . . .?’’, I, too, have been retailing in George St for 40 years. The majority of that time, I am pleased to say, calmly and happily as the result of consultative, engaging councils balancing the best interests of property owners, retailers and consumers of this proud city centre.

Thankfully, the obvious uprising against the ‘‘proposed upgrade plan’’ is not just being driven by a business community on its knees. Over 6300 petition signatories are willing to support over 40 central Dunedin retailers and hospitality providers of the Central Dunedin Business Group.

It is obvious through letters to the editor and social media the outraged are prepared to fight for George St’s future.

Brent Weatherall Vauxhall

[Abridged]

AT 11.30 on Thursday morning, I drove on George St from Frederick St to the Octagon.

‘‘Drove’’ is hardly the word. ‘‘Inched’’ is more accurate.

I could not believe what I was assailed with. It was like some new psychedelic board game on the road.

Painted big blue dots, smaller red dots, painted white cyclists and painted people (pedestrians, I presume) everywhere on almost every inch of the road. Are we supposed to play a form of hopscotch on all the symbols?

Initially, I realised I was crawling at 20kmh and needed to slow. I had to stop at the lower Moray Pl lights. I tried to do 10kmh with a car behind but it took an age to cross the intersection.

It is actually difficult to achieve a consistent 10kmh. A strictly enforced 30kmh limit would be fine.

Interestingly, George St was almost deserted apart from a few pedestrians. My conclusion is pretty obvious.

I would imagine anyone in their right mind would not have a clue what it all means apart from squandering $40,000 of ratepayers’ money.

It is like an expensive, sick joke to make Dunedin a laughing stock for any visitor.

N. Idour Maori Hill A POSTCOVID rash has developed along George St. Just as you begin to think the way is clear.

The rash is being tested. Swabs are coming back reading . . . what the?

Leave the place alone. Traffic can be a hazard, but it can also be stimulus, movement, colour, awareness.

Turning thoroughfare into hopeful festivals of walking can tamper with a manageable urban environment. And Dunedin is manageable.

Retailers have been through enough. We all have. Is there no vaccine for these feverish experiments?

E. Benny Middlemarch

BIBLE READING: Praise be to the Lord who rescued you. — Exodus 18.10.