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Repeated calls by Matakana residents for measures to slow traffic speeding into town along Matakana Valley Road could finally be answered if a new road safety trial goes ahead next year.
Auckland Transport (AT) has applied for money from a new $7 million government fund that aims to help councils make towns and streets safer and more people-friendly. The Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Innovating Streets for People pilot fund would fund 90 per cent of a 12-month trial to encourage lower speeds through Matakana. If successful, the trial techniques could then be made permanent as part of AT’s minor improvements works programme.
AT spokesperson Natalie Polley said details of exactly what methods might be used to slow traffic down would only be looked at once the funding decision was made later this month.
“It is only once funding has been approved that any design of treatments will begin,” she said. “There are a range of techniques that could be used to achieve the project outcomes. Should funding be approved, then the project team will be looking to work closely with the local community and stakeholders to help co-design the tactical treatments.”
According to the NZTA, any Innovating Streets for People projects will be carried out by June next year.
As well as AT, Rodney Local Board also had the chance to put forward potential trial projects. However, Beth Houlbrooke told the May business meeting that the Board’s limited transport budget had already been allocated.
“We would have to fund 10 per cent of the trial and then budget for a permanent solution, which would have to come from the Local Board transport capital fund, and we’re already fully committed to footpaths,” she said. “I don’t really see any value in proposing more projects when we don’t have the means to fund them beyond a trial, and a trial might raise expectations.”
However, Board members did vote to support AT’s application for Matakana Valley Road.
“This is something that the community has been asking for for some time. Coming in from the north, vehicles are travelling far too quickly,” Ms Houlbrooke said.
