Traffic and parking frustrations are growing in Dunedin, but so, too, is the city's sense of prosperity, the results of the latest Residents' Opinion Survey show.

The survey of more than 1300 residents' views identified the flow of traffic - at peak and off-peak times - and the availability of parking as key rising issues.

Satisfaction with peak-time traffic flow was down 10 points, to 28%, while at off-peak times it was down 10 points to 65%.

Satisfaction with the availability of parking in the central city - one of the noisiest issues in the recent DCC election campaign - was also down seven points, to 22%.

The big drops meant satisfaction with the availability of parking in the central city (22%) and the availability of on-street metered parking (25%) were the two most frustrating aspects of living in Dunedin.

They were followed by peak traffic flows, the survey showed.

Satisfaction with the suitability of Dunedin's roading network for cyclists also remained low, at 34%, despite a six point increase.

Overall satisfaction with the DCC was also down five points, to 52%.

Dunedin Mayor Aaron Hawkins said the negative results reflected Dunedin's growing pains, as more people moved to the city - leading to more vehicles on roads - as well as the impact of construction in the city.

"With finite road space and further major developments such as the hospital rebuild still to begin, these issues will only be exacerbated unless we can reduce the extensive reliance on motor vehicles for getting around the city," he said.

The focus needed to be on providing "safe, viable and affordable options" for those people willing - and able - to leave their cars at home, he said.

That would reduce traffic congestion and free up available car parks for those who need them, as well as supporting the city's environmental goals, he said.

On the positive side, more people viewed Dunedin as a thriving city - up eight points to 59% - while satisfaction with support for economic development was up six points, to 54%.

"These increases are pleasing and not surprising," Mr Hawkins said.

"Dunedin's job and population numbers have been steadily increasing for several years and there's plenty of positive development,
construction and other projects already under way or in the planning stages."