Traffic Calming Group 2010

In July 2010,  Grey Lynn 2030 presented to the Western Bays Community Board about traffic issues in the West Lynn area and proposed traffic calming initiatives.

The results of a survey undertaken by Grey Lynn 2030 and Walk Auckland highlighted many of the concerns.

Survey of 118 people 97 (82%) live in Grey Lynn

  • 61% concerned about the volume of traffic in Grey Lynn .
  • 78% concerned about the speed of traffic in Grey Lynn.
  • 78% concerned with the safety of pedestrians from traffic in Grey Lynn.
  • 85% concerned with the safety of children from traffic in Grey Lynn.
  • 50% think it is not safe to cycle in Grey Lynn.

Traffic issues in West Lynn

  • Excessive speed
  • Hazardous to cross
  • Excessive traffic
  • Lack of “local shopping centre”
  • Illegal parallel parking
  • Failure of ad hoc measures eg Removal of car parks

Proposed solutions:

Cohesive package of traffic calming measures. For example:

  • Speed reduction
  • Signage “ welcome to West Lynn” “ Slow Village”
  • Raised surface through shopping area
  • Crossing islands
  • Intersection improvements on Richmond Rd (Warnock St, Peel St and Surrey Cres)

Gateway for main entrances to Grey Lynn
Show we have a distinct traffic  “culture” plus specific signs/banners/flags for each of the local shopping centres and along streets

Traffic calming day/week to raise awareness
Combined with street parties, guerrilla signs activity

Pledge
Ask all people in Grey Lynn 2030 to take a pledge to drive less and more slowly and extend this to the wider community

Traffic calming Survey
Undertake survey to determine specific concerns and improvements desired of the community

Children’s workshop
Using David Engwicht’s Taming dragon wagons workshop

Problem streets
A letter has been drafted that can be used as a template for circulation to neighbours interested in sharing traffic calming ideas (starting with Kelmarna Ave)

Adoption of berms/design of the berms
Council has agreed that Westmere School can adopt 2/3sets of chicanes on Larchwood Avenue. A member of the Water group is going to approach the council to discuss the berm designs to improve water management and collection

Grey Lynn Farmers market – encouraging walking/cycling
Help is needed to make signs  saying:  “Park your bike here” “Walk, skip or cycle to the market: Leave your car at home”.  “Only 10 mins walk from here” etc .

How about holding a street party?

Massey Matters has put together a guide for organising a BBQ or party in your street.  The Brits have been into this for years. Here a couple of excellent guides on how to do it. The British one has what every UK street party needs – how to make bunting

Mental Speed Bumps – the smarter way to tame traffic
David Engwicht, artist, write, street philosopher, story teller, was in Auckland in July 2009 at the invitation of the council’s urban design group inspiring people to re-think their presumptions about traffic calming and their relationship with vehicles. Grey Lynn 2030 hosted a community meeting where David called for an “outbreak of civility” as the first step to transforming Auckland!