Draft Transport Strategy up for Discussion

QLDC Transport Strategy Graphics Feb15
Date:
Feb 23, 2015

The next steps in improving access to and through central Queenstown will be taken this Thursday, when Queenstown Lakes District Councillors consider a draft Transport Strategy for the town centre.

Cr Alexa Forbes, the deputy portfolio leader for Infrastructure issues, said the Council was taking the widest possible view of transport issues, including traffic flows, parking availability and improving the environment for pedestrians and cyclists.

“Modelling shows that if 20% of drivers can be persuaded to choose other means of transport, traffic will flow better at peak times.”

The draft strategy proposes a four-pronged approach to achieve that 20% reduction, addressing:

  • Parking
  • Roads, roadsides and pathways
  • Transport information
  • Public transport

Cr Forbes said all four issues were interdependent and could not be delivered  by QLDC alone. In particular, she highlighted management and funding of public bus services, which is currently an Otago Regional Council responsibility.

“We recognise that it won’t be possible to make major changes to parking to encourage more commuters to take the bus unless the bus services are convenient and affordable,” Cr Forbes said. “Some of the revenue the Council earns from parking could be used to fund improvements in public transport, if ORC agreed. We are also exploring options with NZTA to what funding could come from that source.”

Information on transport and parking choices had to be more readily available as well.

The Council will consider on Thursday whether to adopt the draft strategy for consultation with the public. The draft strategy is online at www.qldc.govt.nz/council-online/council-documents/strategies-and-publications/transport-strategies/