Malcolm Budd said the trial of a car-free connection in the Town Belt broke the continuity of Dunedin’s scenic route, which he described as an important asset for locals and tourists.
"I’m so frustrated with this anti-car council we’ve got."
In response to Mr Budd’s comments, the council stressed the trial was temporary and it welcomed feedback from all interested parties.
Earlier this month, the council voted 10-4 to close a 1.8km section of Queens Dr and Braid Rd for three months from January, while a shared pathway connecting Roslyn, Mornington and City Rise is tested.
The trial is expected to cost $15,100, largely funded through the council’s transport budgets — if successful, the road closure could be made permanent.
Mr Budd said he had spoken to other AA Otago councillors, who viewed the trial and any permanent road closure as unnecessary and a "waste of money".
He was concerned the trial would interrupt the scenic route, a signposted drive through the city from St Kilda to north Dunedin via the Town Belt, including the section planned for closure.
"Do the [city] councillors who voted for this trial to go ahead actually realise that this is the official scenic drive through the city that’s been in place for the last 60 years?"
The AA district council planned to provide feedback on the trial.
"We object to the fact that it’s going to be a trial, because we know for a fact that if it’s a trial, it’s going to be permanent," Mr Budd said.
Parks and recreation group manager Heath Ellis said the trial was temporary and no decision had been made to permanently close the section of road.
"Any future decision would be informed by evidence gathered during the trial, including public feedback, usage data, transport impacts, safety considerations, and operational and maintenance implications."
The council welcomed feedback from all interested parties during the trial period, including the Otago AA, and encouraged "participation in the evaluation process".
