Submission
Which parking changes proposal would like to comment on
Constitution Street
Do you support or oppose the proposed changes?
I/We oppose the proposed changes
What is your feedback on the proposed changes
Kia ora koutou,
My name is Keegan Wells and I am the President of the Otago Unviersity Students' Association. I am elected to represent over 19,000 tauira at the unviersity. We are firmly against the proposal to change parks from resident parking to p120. The change in a mostly student area to p120 will only encourage more cars to drive to the newly pedestrianised George Street. This actively harms the student flats in the area by taking away parks and encourages people to drive in and around city centre.
Within a two-block radius of Constitution Street, there are bus stops for 11 out of the 23 buses that operate in Dunedin, including routes 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11, 38, 14, 63, and 50. Given this extensive public transport coverage, the focus should be on promoting the use of these services rather than increasing parking availability that encourages more car usage.
These changes also seem inconsistent with the Dunedin City Council's Carbon Zero Plan 2030. By encouraging more car usage and parking availability, the proposal contradicts efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable transportation options. Encouraging more driving is a step backward in achieving the city’s environmental goals.
These students use these parks to leave their cars at for many days at a time while commuting on foot to study or work. If they were to leave their cars on nearby streets, this could lead to an increase in property damage or cars not being looked after properly.
While we understand the intent behind the proposed parking changes, we believe they will have unintended negative consequences for students and the broader community. We urge the Council to reconsider these proposals in light of the concerns outlined above and to explore alternative solutions that better align with the needs of students, local residents, and the city's sustainability goals.
Supporting information
No associated documents with this submission.
Submitter
Submission id number: 1066424
Submitter name:
Keegan Keegan
Last name
Wells
Organisation
Otago University Students' Assocation
In what capacity are you providing your feedback?
Student President / Representative