Links Ave Update December 2021

Thankyou, you have recently taken part in the online survey on the trial Cul de Sac in Links Ave. There are more than 1250 participants.  This is an excellent community response.
Results to date are below.  98% do not want a Cul de Sac in Links Ave. 



 
The trial has shown that Oceanbeach Rd can not handle the extra traffic, with the resulting gridlock and that the local community has suffered increased travel times and inconvenience.  Five weeks is too long for a trial!!!  It is an imposition.
 

This week we are talking to Anne Tolley (Commissioner TCC) with a proposal to reroute the buses out of Links Ave. The issue is very alive and the survey has provided a number of very good ideas.

Tauranga City Council (TCC) released a newsletter last week justifying the Cul de Sac trial by referring to the Safe Systems Review.

We also have read The Safe System Review “LINKS AVENUE SCHOOL TRAVEL SAFETY” and it additionally identifies
“There are various options that could be implemented or tested, including removing the bus lane with or without re-routing buses. ….. The fundamental issue for Links Avenue appears to be the addition of the bus lane, which has pushed the south eastern bound general traffic lane closer to the SUP (Shared User Path) which has no berm or other separation”.

In Summary, for Links Ave

  • the first priority is safety for the children,

  • the second priority is to retain the amenity of the road for the community

  • And this will only be achieved by the removal of the bus lanes.

Next Steps:
Trial finishes 17 December. TCC will deliberate and come back in the New Year.

It sounds like the decision has been made and the Cul de Sac trial is just to get us ready. The community needs to be involved in each phase of any changes to Links Ave – TCC appear to have NO plan for any real comprehensive consultation with the community.  If this is the case then community action will follow.
 
 
Want more background information, read all the background and survey information www.taurangacommunityfeedback.com/linksave
Online Survey results – over 1250 participants –   send the web address to your friends to take part. Tell council what the community is thinking.
Talk to Tauranga City Council Transport Director Brendan Bisley (the man behind the cul de sac trial)     07 577 7000 or email Brendan.bisley@tauranga.govt..nz
Talk to Commissioner Anne Tolley   anne.tolley@tauranga.govt.nz

This Community Feedback is supported by Tauranga Ratepayers Alliance, Papamoa Residents & Ratepayers Association, Mount Maunganui Residents, Ratepayers and Retail Association, Friends of Links Ave, concerned Links Ave residents, Arataki Feedback group, Tauranga Action Cycling and many more members of the community.