Public Question Time on Tuesday 24th June 2024
QUESTION 1:
Why do the proposed changes to Collins Street include only two accessible parking bays with none between Harrington and Murray Street?
RESPONSE 1:
The concept plan, although focussed on Collins Street, is looking at doubling of the number of accessible parking spaces within the precinct, from two to four.
While one existing space on Collins Street, in the Harrington / Murray block will be removed, we are currently investigating a replacement bay within the same street block on Murray Street, and additional bays in other locations either on Collins Street or surrounds and seeking feedback on user needs.
There is currently one accessible parking space between Harrington and Bathurst and under the concept plan; this number will increase from one to two spaces in this block.
QUESTION 2:
Why can’t the proposal have one northbound lane in Collins Street and one southbound in Liverpool Street?
RESPONSE 2:
This was looked at from a high level at the outset of the concept planning exercise.
It was found that similar levels of parking removal would need to occur on Collins Street as the current concept plan, whilst also adding in additional parking removal on Liverpool Street on one side of the road.
As such, and along with Collins Street being identified as the Principal Cycling route for the City, this concept was not looked at in any more detail.
QUESTION 3:
Is the council expecting more traffic congestion and associated emissions in Collins Street due to the combining of traffic lanes at all three intersections, along with the changes around Centrepoint carpark entrance?
RESPONSE 3:
Initial analysis has shown that there may be minor increases in traffic congestion along Collins Street due to the combining of traffic lanes.
It is anticipated there will be some re-routing of through traffic which will help alleviate this slight increase.
More detailed traffic modelling is currently being done on the abovementioned intersections to confirm this initial analysis.