Testy over transport, parking

WHAT to do about transport and parking was again a flashpoint at the Dunedin City Council yesterday.

A set of transport projects has been proposed to ease congestion expected to result from the construction of Dunedin’s new hospital.

The council’s share of the proposed package is about $53 million and includes improvements to coastal arterial roading, public transport and central city cycling routes.

Cycle hubs could be created and parking spaces added at Mosgiel and Burnside as part of park and ride facilities that could reduce the volume of traffic flowing into Dunedin from south and west of the city.

Amid points of order and testy exchanges, Cr Lee Vandervis promoted the virtues of safe travel by car and Mayor Aaron Hawkins sought to challenge that.

Cr Jim O’Malley said he could not understand why councillors would oppose the proposed measures.

‘‘Which one of these brings the city to its knees?’’

Cr Jules Radich presented an alternative.

He has argued a multistorey parking building should be built in St Andrew St.