George Street now looks and operates differently to how it used to.
To use the street safely, here’s what everyone should know about the new layout – whether you’re on wheels or on foot.
Table of contents
Instead of yellow lines and kerbs, different types of paving stones now mark the different areas of the street.
Pedestrians
There is now more space on the footpath for pedestrians to reduce congestion at busy times and allow people with mobility issues to move around the area with confidence.
Pedestrians will notice a lightly textured paving line and the placement of planters and street furniture that shows the end of the footpath. Beyond this are the mixed-use space and the contraflow zone, which allow pedestrians and those on bikes, scooters and skateboards to have additional room. The contraflow zone allows for two-way movement, so you still need to look both ways when you’re crossing this space.
There is then a rougher line of stone pavers to signal that you’re in the vehicle carriageway. These are intentionally uneven to ensure they are sensed by motorists (reminding them to stay in their lane and slow down) and to ensure pedestrians are aware they are entering the vehicle carriageway. These pavers are also more easily noticed by people with visual impairments using a cane, for example. It is important for pedestrians to be aware of these changes of texture when they cross the road.
Motorists
For motorists, the two most important changes are that George Street is now one-way heading south from the five-way intersection, and that the speed limit is 10km/h.
Drivers must drive slowly, noting cars don’t have priority and drivers need to be aware of more pedestrians, cyclists, scooters and other users.
If you prefer a quicker, more direct route heading north to south through the central city, we advise using Filleul Street or the one-way system.
Parking
There is still on-street car parking on George Street.
In the new one-way shared space, parking is now free and limited to short-term (P5 or P30), mobility parking and Authorised Vehicles Only. Changes to this area have resulted in the loss of just two car parks – parks were gained in the Farmers and Golden Centre blocks, and reduced in the New Edinburgh Way block.
It is important people only park in designated parking spaces. Parking outside of the designated areas takes up space that has been set aside for pedestrians and creates congestion that makes the street less safe for everyone. ‘No stopping’ signs have been installed to show where vehicles cannot park. Vehicles parking outside marked car parking spaces may be ticketed.
For those looking to park for longer periods, we recommend using one of the conveniently located off-street car parking options close to George Street, or the Meridian Mall car park.
Cyclists
Southbound cyclists should use the road carriageway with vehicles, adhering to the posted 10km/h speed limit, sharing the space with care. Cyclists heading north can use the shared space. Cycle stands are provided throughout the area to make cycling more convenient.
For cyclists who want to move through the area as quickly as possible enroute to other parts of the city, we recommend using alternative routes such as Great King Street.
Public transport users
Now that George Street is a one-way, low speed street, it slows vehicles too much to make it an efficient public transport route. Bus routes have been moved to Great King Street, re-joining George St on the Knox Church block.
New bus stops, shelters and seating have been installed outside the hospital to improve the experience for bus users. Improvements have also been made to the side streets linking the new public transport route along Great King Street to George Street (St Andrew Street, Hanover Street and Frederick Street) to make these streets safer and more people-friendly, through improvements to paving, lighting and seating.
Scooter and skateboard users
Scooter and skateboard users can use either the vehicle lane, the mixed-use space or the contraflow zone to get around George Street.
Vulnerable pedestrians and those with mobility issues can find scooters and skateboards unpredictable, so it is important to share with care, give pedestrians space, and moderate your speed when moving around the area.
Let’s all work together to make George Street a space for everyone to enjoy.