Holly St, Avondale – Speed calming and pedestrian improvements Holly St, Avondale – Speed calming and pedestrian improvements

Consultation status: closed 6 Jun 2018

Proposal reference: RTV-146

We are proposing to introduce new speed calming measures and pedestrian improvements on Holly Street, including:

  • Construction of a combined zebra crossing and raised speed table at the existing crossing point near the entrance to Holly Street (off of Victor Street).
  • Relocation of the current speed hump from 2A Holly Street to 8 Holly Street.
  • Installation of broken yellow lines along the east side of the road leading up to the speed table, involving removal of 11 on-street parking spaces.
  • Minor changes to road markings and signage, as outlined in the drawing.

View the consultation drawing for Holly Street (PDF 1.45MB) 

Why the changes are needed

The intersection of Holly Street and Victor Street is located within close proximity to a school and experiences significant foot traffic. Existing pedestrian facilities and speed calming measures need to be updated in order to satisfy demand at this location. The proposal aims to ultimately improve safety at this intersection by forcing vehicles to slow on their approach, increasing their awareness of pedestrians and other road users.

Proposal outcome

The proposal received positive feedback with some concerns raised by respondents. After reviewing this feedback and all other supporting evidence, the proposal will proceed without changes to the next stage of detailed planning.

Feedback received

  • Concern that installation of additional broken yellow lines will create parking issues elsewhere along Holly Street, particularly during school pick up and drop off hours. We recognise that on-street parking is a valuable community resource and we seek to remove it only where it causes significant visibility and/or accessibility issues. During design of the proposal, parking assessments were undertaken and a number of hazards identified. The proposed broken yellow lines will address these hazards and enhance sight distance for both crossing pedestrians and approaching vehicles.
  • Request to maintain existing broken yellow lines in front of properties 10 and 16 Holly Street. These parking restrictions will remain as existing.
  • Concerns over the removal of on-street parking. We recognise that on-street parking is a valuable community resource and we seek to remove it only where it causes significant visibility and/or accessibility issues. During design of the proposal, parking assessments were undertaken and a number of hazards identified. The proposed broken yellow lines will address these hazards and enhance sight distance for both crossing pedestrians and approaching vehicles.
  • Suggestion to implement a peak hour clearway along Holly Street, rather than installing additional broken yellow lines. The removal of on-street parking during peak periods would likely cause speeding along Holly Street. Although the presence of parked vehicles may limit the flow of traffic to a single lane, it also encourages drivers to take greater care when driving. Allowing on-street parking is beneficial to overall road safety, especially for the safety of pedestrians.
  • Request to install hockey stick markings along Holly Street to further discourage vehicles from obstructing driveways. Parking within one metre of a vehicle crossing or driveway is prohibited according to the New Zealand Road Code and should be reported to Auckland Transport Enforcement on 09 355 3553.
  • Concerns that installation of broken yellow lines will further limit where parents can safely drop off and pick up their children. We recognise that on-street parking is a valuable community resource and we seek to remove it only where it causes significant visibility and/or accessibility issues. During design of the proposal, parking assessments were undertaken and a number of hazards identified. The proposed broken yellow lines will address these hazards and enhance sight distance for both crossing pedestrians and approaching vehicles
    We will continue to monitor the site during school pick up and drop off times following constructions. Parents would be advised to utilise nearby streets when picking up or dropping off their children.
  • Concern that vehicles frequently stop in areas where there are existing broken yellow lines at this location. Parking over existing broken yellow lines is prohibited according to the New Zealand Road Code and should be reported to Auckland Transport Enforcement on 09 355 3553.
  • Concern that installation of a zebra crossing at this location will effectively prevent vehicles from turning out of Holly Street during school pick up and drop off hours. We are currently in communication with nearby schools to provide appropriate patrol of the zebra crossing and intersection. We will continue to monitor the operation of the intersection post-construction.
  • Request to install a small raised traffic island at the T-junction to prevent vehicles from crossing over the centre line when turning into Holly Street. The raised zebra crossing proposed will force drivers to slow before entering Holly Street. We expect that this will also further prevent drivers from crossing over the centre line.
  • Request to better accommodate cyclists at this location by installing a dual zebra crossing. This location is not frequently used by cyclists and therefore a dual zebra crossing is not warranted. Moreover, unless the crossing facility is well used by cyclists, drivers are not likely to expect cyclists and their awareness and attention of the cyclists crossing will be lower. Cyclists naturally feel more confident crossing at a designated facility and often take less care than they would were there no facility.
  • Request to install a 'fence barrier' on either side of Holly Street at the intersection with Victor Street in order to ensure that pedestrians utilise the zebra crossing. Fence barriers are not recommended at this location for a number of reasons, including:
    • that they often reduce visibility for pedestrians, and,
    • that the physical separation can encourage drivers to speed and to take less care when driving, posing obvious safety risks to both cyclists and pedestrians.

Next Steps

This work will happen on or before June 2019, but we will let you know if there are further changes or delays. Our contractors will send notices to affected residents 48-hours prior to construction starting.