Tasman Council Faces Pressure: A Realistic Assessment Of Road Closure

Rajiv Sharma

5 min read

Post on May 12, 2025

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The Arguments For Road Closure

The Tasman Council defends its road closure decisions citing several key justifications.

Safety Improvements

Several roads targeted for closure have a history of accidents and pose significant safety risks.

• High Accident Rates: Statistics reveal a concerning number of accidents on these roads, involving both vehicle collisions and pedestrian incidents. For example, data from the last five years shows a 20% increase in accidents on SH60, resulting in several serious injuries.
• Infrastructure Deficiencies: Many of these roads lack adequate pedestrian infrastructure, including sidewalks, crosswalks, and street lighting, making them dangerous for vulnerable road users, such as cyclists and the elderly.
• Planned Safety Improvements: The council plans to implement improved safety features, such as wider shoulders, improved signage, and new pedestrian crossings, in areas where roads have been closed. These improvements would be difficult or impossible to implement without the closure.

Environmental Benefits

Road closures can lead to positive environmental outcomes.

• Reduced Emissions: Reducing traffic volume on specific routes can significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions and improve local air quality. Preliminary modeling suggests a potential 15% reduction in CO2 emissions in the affected areas.
• Noise Pollution Reduction: Quieter roads mean a better quality of life for residents living nearby. Studies have shown a direct correlation between traffic volume and noise pollution levels. The closure of these routes is expected to dramatically reduce noise levels in affected communities.
• Habitat Preservation: In certain cases, road closures can aid in habitat preservation by limiting vehicle impact on sensitive ecosystems. For example, the closure of the access road to the Kaiteriteri Estuary aims to protect the fragile wetland environment.

Improved Traffic Flow (in specific areas)

While seemingly counterintuitive, some road closures can improve traffic flow in other areas.

• Strategic Relocation: By closing less-utilized routes, the council aims to redirect traffic to more efficient arterial roads, potentially easing congestion in the town centre.
• Traffic Modeling: Traffic modeling software has been used to predict the impact of road closures on overall traffic flow. The results suggest a potential improvement in travel times in certain areas.
• Potential Downsides: While the council anticipates improved flow in certain key areas, it acknowledges that some alternative routes may experience increased traffic volume as a result, requiring ongoing monitoring.

The Arguments Against Road Closure

Opponents of the road closures highlight significant drawbacks.

Economic Disruption

Business owners and residents express concerns about the negative economic consequences.

• Business Closures: Businesses reliant on through-traffic, such as cafes and motels, report a significant drop in revenue since the implementation of road closures. Case studies are being compiled to illustrate the full extent of this impact.
• Reduced Tourism: The closures may deter tourists from visiting certain areas, further impacting the local economy. This is particularly relevant for businesses dependent on tourist spending.
• Increased Transportation Costs: Businesses face increased transportation costs due to longer routes and increased fuel consumption. The council is exploring ways to mitigate these challenges but hasn't yet released a comprehensive plan.

Community Disruption

The closures have caused significant inconvenience for residents.

• Increased Travel Times: Residents face significantly longer commutes due to the need to use alternative routes.
• Alternative Route Congestion: The alternative routes have experienced increased congestion, negating some of the intended benefits of the closures.
• Access Issues: Emergency services and deliveries have also experienced delays and access difficulties due to these closures. The council is working with emergency services to address these concerns.

Lack of Consultation/Transparency

Concerns have been raised regarding the lack of public consultation and transparency.

• Inadequate Communication: Many residents feel they were not adequately informed about the planned road closures and their potential impact.
• Insufficient Public Engagement: There were limited opportunities for the public to provide feedback before the decisions were made.
• Need for Improved Processes: The council needs to review its engagement processes to ensure future projects allow for better communication and more significant community input.

Finding a Realistic Solution: Alternative Approaches to Traffic Management

The Tasman Council should consider alternative approaches to managing traffic flow.

Traffic Calming Measures

Implementing measures like speed bumps, traffic circles, and improved signage could address safety concerns without resorting to complete closures.

Public Transportation Improvements

Investing in better public transportation options, such as increased bus routes and dedicated cycling lanes, could reduce reliance on private vehicles.

Smart Traffic Management Systems

Adopting smart traffic management systems, using technology to optimize traffic flow in real-time, could significantly improve efficiency.

Conclusion: A Balanced Perspective on Tasman Council Road Closures

The decision to close roads is complex, requiring a careful balancing of safety, environmental, economic, and social considerations. While the council's aim to improve safety and the environment is understandable, the significant economic and community disruption necessitates a thorough review of its approach. A more collaborative and transparent decision-making process is crucial, with alternative solutions prioritized before resorting to road closures. Learn more about Tasman Council's traffic management plans and share your opinion on proposed road closures to help shape the future of Tasman's roads. Get involved in the ongoing discussion and participate in future community consultation processes.