Media Release – 24 January 2013

Last Chance To Have A Say On Transport In Central Christchurch

Greater Christchurch residents are being urged to have their say on the An Accessible City draft document on transport in central Christchurch before the public consultation phase comes to an end.

The Draft Transport Chapter of the Christchurch Central Recovery Plan, launched on November 15 last year, focuses on how people travel into and around the city, and how the streets will look as the city centre is redeveloped following the earthquakes.

It prioritises streets for buses, cyclists, private vehicles and pedestrians as a way of improving travel across the city. Under the draft, Cathedral Square would become largely pedestrian only, and the overall speed limits within the new CBD core would be reduced to a maximum of 30 km/h.

Members of the public have until 5pm next Friday, 1 February, to make a submission on the draft chapter to the Christchurch Central Development Unit (CCDU).

The An Accessible City chapter builds on the Christchurch City Council’s award-winning Share an Idea public consultation and the resulting draft Central City Plan, and on decisions already made in the Christchurch Central Recovery Plan, which did not include transport when it was released on 30 July last year.

Parking and service vehicle requirements are also considered in the draft chapter, which emphasises accessibility for older people, those with young children and people with mobility issues.

The An Accessible City draft chapter can be viewed on the CCDU website at www.ccdu.govt.nz.

Submissions can be made online by visiting the CCDU website, or by downloading a printable submission form from the website which can be posted to the CCDU.

Submission forms can also be obtained from Christchurch City Council offices and libraries and posted to the CCDU.

Following analysis of the submissions, recommendations will be made to the Minister for Canterbury Earthquake Recovery on what transport elements should be added to the Christchurch Central Recovery Plan, for his consideration.

ENDS

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