2 May 2002

Councillors To Consider Consultation On Central City Roads Swap Proposal

Christchurch City Council’s Sustainable Transport and Utilities (ST&U) Committee will next week consider a recommendation to consult with the community on swapping the functions of Lichfield and Tuam Streets. The swap would essentially see Lichfield Street/Oxford Terrace change from one-way to two-way, and Tuam Street from two-way to one-way.

An agenda report distributed yesterday to councillors on the ST&U Committee, presents key features of a change-over of street functions, including the anticipated benefits and implications of those changes, and a proposal for how the Council could consult with the community.

If the ST&U Committee approves the proposed strategy on Monday 6 May, this will mark the beginning of a lengthy consultation process involving Council, community and regulatory authorities. The process will result in decisions about whether to swap the traffic functions of the two central city streets, and further define how it would be done. Construction of any changes would not begin until 2004 at the earliest.

The agenda report proposes a campaign to raise awareness and inform the community of the proposed changes, and to seek and encourage feedback. Consultation would occur over 11 weeks from 3 June to 16 August this year.

After the public consultation finishes, the feedback would be analysed and a final report prepared with responses to key issues raised in the public consultation. The report would be presented to the ST&U Committee, and full Council.

Any proposed road changes would also be required to go through a statutory process to allow for changes to the classification of the roads involved. This involves a hearing with an independent commissioner, and the presentation of submissions. The decision made at the hearing would be published, and may be appealed in the Environment Court.

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