Links Avenue Safety Improvements

We are working towards creating a safer street that enables people and children to have the option to move independently and safely on bikes, on foot, on scooters or catching the bus.

For buses to be an attractive and viable option for transportation, the design of bus stop spacing should consider passenger demand. Research has shown that bus stops are needed more frequently in residential areas, and the distance between stops should be no less than 250m but no more than 400m. The placement of crossings is determined by the natural flow of traffic and the demand for pedestrians to cross at certain points. Moving some bus stops is also needed to improve visibility between approaching traffic and people crossing at the new pedestrian crossings.

Pedestrian crossings are placed in places that make it safer and easier for children, adults or people using mobility scooters or wheelchairs to cross the road.

We value the feedback from the community and postponed the upgrades, except those needed for the new pedestrian crossings.

We have increased access to Links Avenue. The new trial gives residents and visitors more ways to move around without an exemption or risk of a fine during restricted hours.

You can now enter and exit Links Avenue from the same point at anytime. For instance, you can enter Links Avenue through Concord Avenue and then exit through Concord Avenue.

Another option is that if 15 minutes have passed from entering Links Avenue on one side, you can exit from the other side (e.g., enter through Concord Avenue and exit through Golf Road).

These options will improve access for the Links Avenue community, making it safer for cyclists and pedestrians and keeping it from being used as a thoroughfare during peak times.

The trial is set to be evaluated in December.

Restricted hours are Monday through Friday, between 7am and 10am and between 2pm and 4pm. These restrictions still apply on public holidays and during school holidays.

A cul-de-sac was implemented due to significant safety concerns for school students. The safety issues were confirmed as part of an independent, safe system audit of Links Avenue undertaken by specialist road safety experts. The safety report confirmed that Links Avenue had an unsafe road layout for young people, especially with high volumes of traffic using Links Avenue. Due to these safety concerns, the council decided to make a change.

Reducing the impact for directly affected residents living on Links Avenue or a connecting street such as between Golf Road and Concord Avenue has continually been explored.

A recent development has provided a glimmer of hope. The Ministry of Transport has passed new legislation called “Reshaping Streets” that can potentially eliminate some of the regulatory obstacles that may come with some of the possible solutions. We reviewed the legal and technical options to give you or people visiting your property the ability to use the avenue without getting fined or needing exemptions. Innovative technology and new procedures are now in place as part of a new trial to increase access to Links Avenue.