Road closure one step nearer

DIANA WORTHY

A one-year trial closure of Blackpool Esplanade is on the cards following support for the proposal by residents.

A survey recently carried out by the Auckland City Council shows more than half of 3023 residents who submitted their views do not want the road upgraded, and support its closure to vehicles.

Council officers are now recommending to next month's meeting of the transport committee the road should be closed between the Blackpool turn-around and Surfdale for a 12-month trial period.

Emergency vehicles would still be able to use the road if necessary.

Responses from the remaining 47 percent of residents who wanted the road left open included suggestions for a footpath, a cycleway or bridle track, and traffic calming measures.

The recommendations will be going before the Waiheke Community Board at tonight's meeting.

Board member Eileen Evans, who has been pushing for the Esplanade's closure for some time, is delighted with the survey result.

She says it will be very special to have a road on the island that people can walk or cycle without any stress or fumes from traffic.

"It will give people a chance to relax and enjoy the spectacular environment. I feel the people who voted against it could benefit from getting out of their cars to walk slowly along and experience the sights, smells, and sounds of nature."

Ms Evans also believes closing the road will help keep the island a special place for locals and attract tourists wanting to escape their own urban environments.

But fellow board member and transport spokesman Herb Romaniuk says the numbers for and against are too close to call.

He believes the road should be kept open to vehicles, given the numbers of residents against.

He says the island is iconic and he is glad some residents think the road should be available for everyone to use.

"It should not just be for people who want to walk or ride bikes."

Cycle Action Waiheke chairman Tom Ransom believes the council should spend its roading budget according to what the island needs, and make the Esplanade vehicle-free as people have requested.

He says the millions of dollars it would cost could be better spent in making Waiheke's roads safer for everyone.

"At this stage, to me it's all about priorities.We all need a year with the Esplanade closed to vehicles to see how it affects us. The positive stuff is the potential for it to become a great tourist asset.

"And it gives people more options in terms of alternative transport."

- Waiheke Marketplace