Local Streets for Local People

We are trialling changes to the street layout in Onehunga as part of a Low Traffic Neighbourhood trial funded by the Waka Kotahi Innovating Streets fund. The goal of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods is to redirect cars from narrow residential streets, like Grey, Arthur, Cardwell and Cameron, back on to main arterial roads like Mt Smart in order to create quieter local streets where people feel it is safer and more pleasant to walk or cycle.

The changes being trialled are the outcome of community engagement that took place from December through February and included an online survey, a community workshop, a pop-up stall at the Onehunga Festival, and a postcard maildrop to residents.

Both online and at the workshop, the community voiced their frustrations at the increasing amounts of through-traffic filling their residential streets. We heard a universal call for 'safer streets that are easier to move around on by foot, scooter or wheelchair.

What this project is all about

The Arthur Grey Low Traffic Area is a project to enhance road safety for many Onehunga residents. It will trial some possible solutions and test new ideas, which if successful may become more permanent.

The Arthur Grey Low Traffic area will aim to:

• reduce traffic speeds and volumes on certain residential streets
• improve walking and cycling connections in the neighbourhood.

High traffic volumes are common on several streets in the concerned area, increasing the risks to many of our most vulnerable residents. This area includes several churches, early childcare centres and connections to the town centre and train station.

Who is behind the project

The project is funded through the Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency's Innovating Streets Programme and will be delivered by the Maungakiekie Tāmaki Local Board and supported by Auckland Transport.

What we want feedback on

We want to hear:

• what it's like living on the streets within the proposed Low Traffic Area
• how residents feel about road safety, traffic speeds/volumes and sense of community.

We will work with residents and local businesses throughout the project to come up with possible improvements.

The final design could include:

• places where the road narrows
• road designs that restrict the passage of certain vehicles
• road art
• mini-roundabouts
• planter boxes
• changes to the road layout.

Community engagement will be open during the entire trial period from 7 December 2020 to June 30 2021