Strategy to combat increasing traffic

Christchurch’s traffic is forecast to have increased by 27% by 2026.

The draft Greater Christchurch Travel Demand Management Strategy (TDMS), now open for public discussion, is about encouraging people to travel differently, by walking, cycling, using public transport and car pooling, in a bid to combat increasing traffic.

The strategy aims to manage traffic growth by getting people to make better use of the existing transport network, . It has been developed jointly by the Greater Christchurch Urban Development Strategy (UDS) partners (the Christchurch City Council, Waimakariri and Selwyn district councisl, Environment Canterbury and the New Zealand Transport Agency).

As the largest population centre in the UDS area, Christchurch, and the people living, working and travelling in the city, stands to benefit greatly from TDM. Commuters into and out of the city would also benefit, particularly from reduced congestion.

Mayor Bob Parker says TDM is not about stopping people using their cars. “It is about changing our behaviour. One fewer trip by car each week, per household would stop traffic growth.”

“While walking, cycling and using public transport are excellent ways to address congestion and a whole range of transport issues we are facing, car pooling, combining trips and reducing trip distances would also mean our roads could carry more people more efficiently.

“Changing the way we travel will take time, and the actions in the draft strategy will coincide with infrastructure improvements, including public transport, cycling and walking facilities,” he said.

Public consultation on the TDMS begins today and closes on 13 March.

Copies of the document and summary document, fact sheet and submission form are available at Christchurch City Council service centres, offices of the Waimakariri and Selwyn district councils and Environment Canterbury, and the Christchurch office of NZTA.

Feedback can also be sent through the Have-Your-Say website at www.govt.ccc.govt/HaveYourSay/ where there are links to the various documents.

For more information contact:
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Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker 027 443 4575

UDS Transport Group Chairman Rob Woods 027 6789 739