Letter to Waka Kotahi went against council’s SH1 vote

‘‘This was an extraordinary response, and a clear abuse of process, trying to undermine the will of council rather than accept it,’’ Mr Hawkins said.

One councillor who voted against the council’s push for consideration of the twoway model was Mike Lord, but he did not sign the group’s letter.

Cr Lord said the council made a decision that was different from how he voted, and he accepted that.

He felt undermining a council decision would have been wrong.

In his letter, Mr Hawkins commented the programme of works should be the catalyst for a more futurefocused transport network.

A twoway model had the support of the University of Otago and the Southern District Health Board and he pointed to a health impact assessment that stated it offered substantially more for health and wellbeing outcomes.

Mr Hawkins also highlighted zero carbon aspirations.

He said yesterday the status quo was not on the table and construction of the new Dunedin hospital in the city centre was the catalyst for work on the transport network.

‘‘Waka Kotahi’s two proposals would both change the function of the road, including reviewing the speed limit,’’ he said.

‘‘We should be brave enough to consider how our streets can best contribute to our community’s health and wellbeing.’’

An enhanced pedestrian environment was one advantage identified for a twoway model.

The group’s letter signalled some doubt that many people would walk or cycle to work.

‘‘Unfortunately, weather variability is a significant disincentive to workrelated active transport in Dunedin.’’