Public's views to be sought on mall

The public will be asked to have their say on the plan to create a pedestrian mall in front of the Dunedin Railway Station.

Councillors at yesterday's Dunedin City Council meeting voted overwhelmingly in favour of progressing the idea by launching a special consultative procedure.

That would give the public the chance to have another say on the concept, despite public feedback from two trial closures already showing strong support for the change.

The proposal, if approved, would restricted cars from in front of the railway station, from Anzac Ave to the entrance of the listed heritage building.

Alternative arrangements would be in place for coaches, Otago Art Society members and those in need of disability parks.

The concept pleased most councillors, including Cr Christine Garey, who said it provided for those with mobility issues, building users and tourists, who wanted photographs uninterrupted by coaches parked outside.

Cr Damien Newell wondered whether retractable bollards could be used, blocking vehicles most of the time but allowing access after big events to alleviate a traffic "snarl-up''.

Council transport group manager Richard Saunders cautioned against that, saying reintroducing vehicles after people got used to a new pedestrian mall would raise safety issues.

Only Cr Lee Vandervis voted against the idea, arguing the loss of 12 car parks as a result should be compensated for elsewhere.