Trial changes to smooth summer traffic

 

Kaipara District Council is introducing temporary measures in Mangawhai over the summer season to keep traffic moving and help people get around safely.

The town centre changes were designed collaboratively with the Managawhai Business Association, customers and residents of the surrounding streets at two Council-led workshops. Councillor Peter Wethey said businesses were keen to get the ball rolling as they are affected by parking and traffic congestion when the summer population swells.

The business and community groups came up with some good ideas. “The trial isn’t setting anything in concrete. If it doesn’t work we have a chance to change it next year,” says Peter.

Changes are the first step in the Wood Street revitalisation project, which is planned within the Mangawhai Community Plan. It was scheduled to start next year, but was brought forward at the request of the Business Association.

Five key additional improvements are being put in place for Mangawhai.
• Additional temporary parking.
• Temporary traffic management including, temporarily converting part of Wood Street to one way.
• A free bus shuttle connecting Mangawhai village, Heads and the Surf club. • Improved pedestrian access in the vicinity of Wood Street.
• Placing time restrictions (P60) on the Wood Street angled parks.

KDC General Manager Infrastructure Jim Sephton says using the Heads-Hop Beach-Bus to get around Mangawhai will help ease congestion, and frustrations. “We’ve made it free of charge to encourage people to use it. People will be able to hop on and off at any of the stops,” says Jim.

The bus service will run from 10am through to 5.30pm from December 27 until January 12, and then on weekends and public holidays in January and February, up to February 9.

“We’re also installing temporary toilets at the boat ramp, and the boat club is providing ambassadors to help manage the boat ramp traffic.” In addition to posting new signs, the Council will be working with the Business Association to help spread the word about the changes.

„ Council will be surveying and interviewing people to see how effective the changes are. They’ll be asking people for a couple of minutes to share their experience. Feedback can also emailed to mangawhaicommunityplan@kapiara.govt.nz.