HAS DCC TRANSPORT DECLARED AN OPEN SEASON ON PEDESTRIANS?
Is this a fair question? Come along and share your views at Dunedin’s Pedestrian Action Network (PAN) public meeting on Wednesday 24 January, 1.30 to 3.00pm,
Dunningham Suite, Dunedin Public Library.
According to PAN spokesperson Dr Lynley Hood, the question needs to be asked. “It was bad enough when DCC Transport just ignored the concerns of pedestrians,” she said. “Now it’s ignoring the concerns of judges as well. “On three occasions last year, motorists appeared in court charged with killing or seriously injuring pedestrians who were crossing the road in the Dunedin CBD when the walk signal was green. In each case the judge criticised DCC transport for phasing the lights to allow vehicles to turn while pedestrians are crossing,” she said. “After the last case, DCC transport group manager Richard Saunders told the ODT that the rollout of the ‘phased’ traffic lights begun five years ago would continue despite the accidents.”
To address the challenge of “Making Dunedin More Pedestrian Friendly” PAN has brought together a lively and well-informed panel for the 24 January public meeting. The panellists are: Associate Prof. Ben Wooliscroft (Dept of Marketing, University of Otago); Ellen Blake (Vice President, Living Streets Aotearoa); Crystal Filep (DCC Team Leader, Urban Design); Graeme Rice (Investment Advisor, NZTA); and Jim O’Malley (Dunedin City Councillor); with transport engineer Michael Harrison in the chair.
All Dunedin residents with an interest in pedestrian safety are welcome to come along and have their say.
Contact PAN: Dr Lynley Hood, ph. 027 222 9279
or Chris Ford, ph. 027 696 0872