A summary of public feedback on the road's future was presented to the council's community development committee yesterday, and released to the Otago Daily Times for the first time.
It showed the council received 98 suggestions on the road's future use.
An overwhelming 78% wanted the gates reopened, allowing vehicles to use it.
However, 73% supported closing the gates during the hours of darkness, council community and recreation policy team leader Lisa Wheeler said in the summary.
One suggestion contained a petition with 271 signatures, calling for the road to be reopened immediately while consideration was given to night closures, a 40kmh speed limit and the installation of extra speed bumps.
The feedback followed a call by the council for public suggestions, as well as submissions to last month's 2010-11 annual plan hearings.
However, councillors at yesterday's meeting voted to approve draft changes to the Ocean Beach Domain management plan - in a section governing the scenic coastal road - which could pave the way for the permanent closing of the road.
The draft changes removed all references to a "road", stressing its status as part of the domain and not a legal road, and discussed the need for vehicles to be "controlled" to protect the area and public safety.
The move comes after councillors voted late last year to support plans to close the road permanently to vehicles in a bid to improve public safety.
In her report to yesterday's meeting, Mrs Wheeler said the 98 suggestions helped "shape" the draft changes.
She said the gates were expected to remain locked to vehicles until public consultation was complete and a final decision approved by councillors, which might not be until early next year.
A two-month period of public consultation would begin this weekend, followed by a public hearing - if required - scheduled for late August.
Mrs Wheeler warned the timing of forthcoming council meetings and local body elections in October meant a final decision by the council might have to wait until December.
"I really want to see a decision made and I know the community want one made. I'm going to do what I can . . . but it's going to be hard work."
The summary of public feedback noted many respondents considered the road a "unique scenic drive" appreciated by tourists and residents, providing access to spectacular views.
The road was considered the only place where the elderly and people with disabilities could access the coastline, and "a favourite place to sit in your car and eat an ice cream or fish and chips", she said.
Those opposed to unlocking the gates argued vehicles contributed to broken glass and rubbish, and barring them created a more family-oriented and enjoyable walking and biking area, as well as enhancing the city's wildlife credentials.
Many also wanted improvements to the "look and feel" of the road, with a separate walking and cycling path, better landscaping and fencing areas close to the Lawyers Head lookout.
