Councillors consider Town Belt trial feedback

Thanks to everyone who provided feedback on the Town Belt Active Transport Trial.

Dunedin City Councillors considered a comprehensive engagement report at today’s Policy and Planning Committee meeting (Thursday 20 August 2026).

Councillors voted to note the report’s findings, and that no further trials or changes to walking and cycling access are planned for the Town Belt.

The trial, from 26 January to 19 April 2026, tested temporary vehicle access changes on sections of Queens Drive and Braid Road.

We 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 also provided valuable information about transport outcomes, including how changes to vehicle access affected traffic movement, travel times and surrounding routes. This information will help inform future transport planning and decision-making for the wider network.

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

Plans for the trial were confirmed by the previous Council in 2025.

Those who voted to note the report were: Mayor Barker, Cr Chambers, Cr Garey, Cr Hall, Cr Laufiso, Cr Lund, Cr Mayhem, Cr Treadwell, Cr Vandervis, Cr Walker, Cr Weatherall, and Prof Wyeth.

Cr Galer voted against.

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