Local Board Member Calls for Smarter, Cheaper Alternatives
Waiuku, Auckland, 25 May 2025

Auckland Transport (AT) is facing a growing chorus of criticism for its inflexible and costly approach to installing raised table pedestrian crossings, as public outrage mounts over budget blowouts, significant disruption, and operational issues. The latest flashpoint is a proposed $400,000 raised crossing on Queen Street, Waiuku, which threatens nearly 30 days of road closure for installation.

Franklin Local Board member Gary Holmes is leading the charge, demanding a halt to the Waiuku project and proposing a far more sensible and fiscally responsible alternative. Holmes points to the successful trial of a rubber roundabout in Waiuku several years ago as a precedent for adopting innovative, less disruptive solutions.

""It's frankly astounding that Auckland Transport continues to push these exorbitant and disruptive raised table crossings when demonstrably better options exist," says Holmes. "The community is fed up with the endless road closures and the eye-watering price tags for what should be simple safety improvements."

The contrast in cost and efficiency is stark: a traditional raised crossing, like the one proposed for Queen Street, is estimated to cost more than $400,000 and require up to 30 days of road closure. In comparison, a rubber raised crossing could be installed for less than $100,000 and take less than a day to complete.

Auckland Transport's current raised pedestrian crossings can cost upwards of $350,000, a figure that pales in comparison to readily available and proven alternatives, such as those rolled out in Australia.

These innovative rubber crossings offer a compelling alternative that still provides the necessary traffic calming and pedestrian safety:

• Cost-Effective: A fraction of the cost of traditional raised tables, with installation possible for less than $100,000.
• Rapid Installation: Can be retro-fitted to existing roads with no excavation required, leading to significantly less disruption and quicker project completion – often in less than a day.
• Durability: Long-lasting, unlike traditional crossings that require repainting every 2-3 years.
• Modular Design: Available in 500mm increments, allowing for flexible length and width to suit specific road layouts.
• Emergency Vehicle Friendly: At only 75mm in height, they effectively slow traffic while allowing emergency vehicles to pass smoothly.

"Waiuku already boasts one of this company's rubber roundabouts, proving the efficacy of these solutions in our community," Holmes adds. "It's time Auckland Transport stopped operating in a vacuum and started listening to common sense and embracing solutions that are better for ratepayers and better for our communities. Waiuku is ready to lead Auckland on pedestrian crossings, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach to road safety that is both efficient and economical, without compromising on the safety of our most vulnerable road users."

The ongoing controversy surrounding AT’s raised table installations highlights a critical need for a review of current practices and a greater willingness to consider cost-effective, innovative solutions that minimize disruption and maximize value for money.

This viewpoint is a personal one and does not necessarily reflect the view of the whole Franklin Local Board.

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