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More Wellingtonians in support of bypass than in opposition

31 August 2001

Twice as many people in the greater Wellington area support the proposed Inner City Bypass than those who oppose it, according to an independent survey commissioned by Transit New Zealand.

The survey found nearly 45 percent of people in the Wellington area support the bypass, compared with 17 percent who oppose the project.

Nearly 40 percent of people surveyed have no opinion on the project but of those who had an opinion, over 70 percent support the project.

Nearly 70 percent of those surveyed said there is too much traffic congestion in the inner city while 61 percent said there were often considerable delays in getting across town.

Of those who said they support the bypass, when asked why, most people said it would reduce congestion (35 percent), provide better access to the airport and hospital (21 percent) and would reduce travel time across town (32 percent).

Of those opposed or did not have an opinion, the reasons identified were that it would destroy the culture of the city (15 percent), were unaware of the proposal (14 percent) or were concerned it would destroy historical buildings (13 percent).

Transit Wellington Regional Manager Brian Hasell says the results indicate that Wellington people support the bypass.

"Inner city traffic congestion has been a problem in Wellington for some years and this survey serves to reinforce the fact that people are concerned over long delays for motorists, cyclists, pedestrians and public transport users," he said.

While those who opposed the project were concerned over the demolition of historical buildings, Mr Hasell said the project actually meant that 13 heritage buildings will be preserved and the Upper Cuba Street area would be enhanced to meet the Wellington City Council's Te Aro Plan.

In the Environment Court ruling to allow the bypass to go ahead, the court noted that Transit's plans to relocate and preserve the heritage buildings were the best chance they had for preservation.

The survey was conducted by random phone interviews to households in the central city and greater Wellington area as far north as Waikanae and Upper Hutt. Respondents had to be over the age of 18.

70 percent of respondents commute to Wellington, whether it was for work, education or other purposes. Of those who commute, nearly half drive a vehicle (49 percent) or take public transport (bus [19 percent] or train [17 percent]). The remaining either walk (8 percent), are a passenger in a vehicle (4 percent) or cycle (3 percent).

The Inner City Bypass is an extension of Buckle Street, via Arthur Street. It is a two lane, 50kph city street which will link with the existing motorway by way of an on-ramp.

For further information contact:

Brian Hasell, Transit Wellington Regional Manager. Phone 04 801 2581.
Or phone the Transit Wellington Regional Office 04 801 2580.

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