No to return of zebra crossings

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

A RECOMMENDATION from Mayor Meng Foon to reinstate crossings on the raised pedestrian walkways in the city centre failed to attract much support at Gisborne District Council’s assets and infrastructure committee meeting.

His report on it was received by the committee but the recommendation to reinstate the crossings was declined.

The crossing markings were removed as part of the CBD makeover just prior to the new millennium.

Mr Foon was inspired to try to get them back after visits to the United Kingdom and San Francisco earlier this year.

“The existing raised crossings cause both pedestrians and motorists confusion,” he said.

“Some pedestrians think they have the right to step out on to the road without regard for motorists, and some motorists do not think they have to stop for pedestrians.”

Mr Foon said in his report that the promotion of tourism had visitors coming here from places that had controlled crossings.

“Therefore it would be safer if our pedestrian crossings were consistent with other countries’ road rules.”

Most committee members thought otherwise.

“The council has been through this so many times — six or seven — and I move we should just note the mayor’s report, and not support his recommendation,” said Deputy Mayor Rehette Stoltz.

Larry Foster believed marked crossings would increase the risk of pedestrian accidents. “As it is the CBD is a very user-friendly area.”

Brian Wilson said a marked crossing “does not make the situation any safer for pedestrians”.

Pat Seymour suggested signs should be put up marking the CBD as a “pedestrian-friendly” area, and it was agreed that would be done.

Amber Dunn was one of only two councillors who were keen to see the marked crossings go back in.

“Look at the great job the pedestrian crossing across Ormond Road at Ballance Street Village does,” she said. “Marked crossings have their value.

Bill Burdett agreed. “They have their place and they work if they are in the right place.”

The committee was told that plans were being worked through to improve the pedestrian walkways between Derby and Customhouse streets on Gladstone Road.

“There will be some work done to make them more obvious,” said GDC lifelines director David Wilson.“We have looked at the walkways in the Napier CBD, which are slightly raised. You have to slow down to go through.”

Those plans would come back to the committee for consideration next year, he said.,