Quay questions

File under: urbanism, Wellington

About a month ago, the council announced plans to lower the speed limit on Lambton Quay, together with a package of measures aimed at improving the pedestrian experience in the area. As I mentioned before, it's great to see anything that assists pedestrians at the expense of cars (for a change).

The public input period closes at 5pm tomorrow (Monday the 5th), so if you like the idea, fill in their online submission form and give your support. It's very easy, and you can just tick the boxes if you want, but you can also add more specific comments. Here's what I wrote:

What would you like to see as part of the Lambton Quay upgrade:

Better bus shelters at the northern end. Incentives for less interesting retail uses (banks, insurance etc) to move to the first floor while cafes and shops move to street level. Improved connections to The Terrace, Featherston St and the waterfront.

Comments:

This is a great start, but it doesn't go far enough! I'd prefer to see Jan Gehl's suggestion: that the western half of the Quay become pedestrian only, with all traffic restricted to the eastern half. Or better yet: completely pedestrianise it, with a light rail line.

But any initiative that tilts the balance back from cars to pedestrians is very welcome.