AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL MEDIA RELEASE

23 February 2007

Prioritising pedestrians in university precinct

Pedestrians come first on Alfred Street in the CBD according to Auckland City Council's meeting last night.

The full council's approval to restrict vehicles in Alfred Street signals that pedestrian safety is an important part of the central transit corridor's (CTC) development.

"Our move to restrict vehicles on Alfred Street will ensure students have safer access between key university facilities," says Councillor Richard Simpson, chairperson of the council's Transport and Urban Linkages Committee.

"Improving pedestrian facilities must go hand in hand with the building of new public transport networks in the city. The changes to Alfred Street will be a major step in progressing the CTC. It will remove traffic and give back the street to pedestrians and cyclists.

"We have considered the high pedestrian flows in the area, and the impact the university's new business school will have. After a detailed investigation by the university and Auckland City Council, we believe the proposed restrictions will improve the area for all users," says Mr Simpson.

The council expects that Alfred Street will be closed to all vehicular traffic except current bus services, emergency vehicles, bicycles and university service vehicles. This closure will take place as soon as the physical changes involved can be made and advertised.

The CTC will link the CBD with Newmarket by quicker bus travel and will benefit around 65,000 passengers each day. It will also improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

ENDS

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