Christchurch City Council has defended its decision to install raised platforms at a busy city intersection.
The council announced on Monday the intersection of Ferry, Ensors, and Aldwins Roads would close from Sunday, 5 January 2025, and reopen by 5am on Monday, 13 January 2025.
The closure would allow for the replacement of traffic lights at the end of their service life and the installation of “safe speed platforms” on all approaches.
In September, Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced the government would cease funding for speed bumps through the National Land Transport Fund, saying New Zealanders were “sick and tired” of their proliferation.
Brown’s decision meant local councils could still install traffic calming measures, but they had to fund such projects independently.
The council’s announcement sparked heated debate online, even on the council’s own Facebook page.
Some residents supported the installation of the platforms, while others were frustrated, questioning the necessity and cost of the project.
Transport Operations Manager Stephen Wright told chrislynchmedia.com the decision to install the platforms followed public consultation and approval by elected councillors.
“This project was consulted on as part of the Way Safer Streets consultation. The safe speed platforms were approved by the elected Council in September 2023 as part of the Te Aratai Cycleway project. While the broader cycleway project was on hold, this portion could proceed because of its importance to the area,” Wright said.
Wright defended the platforms as essential traffic calming measures.
“Speed is the key factor in deaths and serious injuries. No matter what caused a crash, it was speed that determined whether or not you’d walk away from it. Slowing traffic through intersections reduced both the number and severity of crashes,” he said.
Wright provided crash statistics to highlight the intersection’s safety concerns.
“In the ten-year period up to the end of 2023, there were 51 crashes at this intersection, including seven serious crashes and 22 minor crashes, resulting in 36 injuries. The serious crashes included pedestrians, motorcyclists, and vehicles turning right. Minor injury crashes also involved people crossing the road and cyclists.”
He added that the intersection served a high volume of pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles due to the nearby Te Aratai College, local parks, shops, and residential areas.
“This intersection was located in a busy area used by school-aged children and the local community. Whether people were driving to work, letting tamariki walk or bike to school, or visiting whānau and friends, they should be able to do so safely,” Wright said.
The safe speed platforms were being funded through the council’s Minor Road Safety Budget, which was separate from central government funding. Wright reiterated that while staff recommended traffic calming measures, the final decision to install them rested with elected councillors following public consultation.
