Town Belt Active Travel Trial

Thanks to everyone who provided feedback on the Town Belt Active Transport Trial. A comprehensive engagement report was presented to Council on 20 August 2026.

This was noted by council 12-1 and can be read in the link below.

The Town Belt Active Travel Trial ran from 26 January to 19 April 2026 and tested temporary vehicle access changes on sections of Queens Drive and Braid Road.

The trial temporarily closed part of Queens Drive between Braid Road and Preston Crescent, and the section of Braid Road connecting to Ross Street. The closed section of Queens Drive operated as a shared path for people walking, cycling, scootering and using mobility devices.

A comprehensive monitoring and engagement programme was undertaken throughout the trial, including transport monitoring, community and stakeholder engagement, speed assessments, observations of reserve use, as well as biodiversity monitoring.

Council received 1546 submissions. Of these, 896 opposed a permanent vehicle closure of Queens Drive, 599 supported a permanent closure, and 51 were unsure or did not indicate a preference.

Feedback from those opposed commonly cited loss of vehicle access, travel inconvenience, traffic impacts on surrounding streets, and concerns about Council spending and priorities.

Feedback from those in support commonly cited improved recreation and active travel opportunities, reduced traffic, quieter conditions, and increased walking and cycling activity.

The trial cost $14,018.21, below the estimated budget of $15,200. Transport implementation costs received a 51% Funding Assistance Rate from NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi.

The trial was not intended to represent a final design outcome. Instead, it was undertaken to better understand how the corridor functions and to identify opportunities, constraints and community priorities that may inform future planning.

Findings identified changes in transport patterns, recreation use, user experience and perceptions of the reserve environment during the trial period. This information may help inform future Town Belt and Ōtepoti Pathways planning, subject to Council direction.

Following the results of the trial, no further work on changes to walking and cycling access in the Town Belt is planned.

Further implementation of the Town Belt Management Plan 2025 will be subject to normal long term and annual planning processes.

The trial

During the trial, a section of Queens Drive between Braid Road and Preston Crescent, as well as a section of Braid Road that connects to Ross Street, was closed to traffic (see map).

Vehicle access for residents and essential services was maintained, while bollards and signage defined what areas were closed to through traffic.

The trial was an opportunity to reimagine this section of the Town Belt as an active, people-focused space — a place to enjoy the reserve as a park, rather than a vehicle thoroughfare.

The trial was a chance to test how changes along Queens Drive could help achieve the following outcomes:

• Promote transport safety for all users
• Encourage walking, cycling and other travel options
• Reduce illegal carparking
• Reduce illegal rubbish dumping
• Support zero carbon outcomes.

In reclaiming this area for recreation, we will look to introduce features such as food truck zones, spaces for outdoor activities, as well as celebrate the area’s biodiversity.

Town Belt Active Travel Trial activation map. Click to enlarge (new window).