Square traffic rules may be changed

Press, 4 August 1983, Page 9

Square traffic rules may be changed

Restrictions on vehicles entering the north-east section of Cathedral Square from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Fridays may be lifted for a six-month trial period starting on September 1.

Because of the need to assist bus movements out of the centre of the city, vehicles other than buses and taxis are prohibited from entering the north-east section of Cathedral Square during the evening peak hours, the City Council’s works and traffic committee heard yesterday.

After discussions with the general manager of the Christchurch Transport Board, Mr M. G. Taylor, and after considering the number of buses which use the Square after 6 p.m. on Fridays, the committee has decided that vehicles should be allowed into this area.

The present restriction on motor-vehicles entering the Square between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. will remain in force during week days.

The committee has also recommended that 10-min-ute parking restrictions for motor-cars “at any time” be reimposed in the north-east

quadrant of the Square adjacent to the Savoy Theatre and the C.M.L. building. Because of conflict between motor-cyclists and motorists, the committee wants to discourage longterm parking of cars in the area.

A motor-cycle stand will be installed along the C.M.L. frontage from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. daily. The motor-cycle stand will extend for 11 metres at the eastern end of the building.

“As there is a demand for secure parking for motorcycles in this area, provision should be made if at all possible,” said the traffic engineer, Mr M. L. Gadd.

“There is also a shortterm parking demand created by the theatre and adjacent businesses, particularly on Friday nights, and this also should be allowed for in any allocation of kerbside space,” he said.

The committee chairman, Cr D. C. Close, said that the effectiveness of these new regulations would be effective only if they were enforced strictly by the Ministry of Transport and the City Council staff.