That was the idea behind a traffic-calming trial established in Oamaru’s popular Harbour St — the heart of the town’s Victorian precinct.
At the start of October, the Waitaki District Council and the Oamaru Whitestone Civic Trust strategically placed 20 barrels in the street to alter the behaviour of drivers.
The purpose was to slow traffic while keeping with the character of the area, encourage foot traffic, and promote pedestrian safety.
Trust chairman Graeme Clark had received good feedback since the trial’s start, but issues about parking had been raised.
In part, the trial was intended to encourage visitors to explore the area on foot by discouraging long-term parking in the street.
‘‘There’s nothing better than seeing the precinct full of families and walkers,’’ Mr Clark said.
However, Mr Clark understood there was a balance to be struck between businesses needing customers and user-friendliness.
‘‘We need customers around.’’
Shop owners and tenants were encouraged to use parking behind the Harbour St buildings and were asked to direct regular or long-staying customers to use the parking lot beside Scotts Brewing Co.
To ease the parking problem, the council’s roading department would install signs directing drivers to the car park beside Scotts Brewing Co, and would introduce five-minute parking signs.
Mr Clark hoped these would be installed by summer, and said they would be mounted on the barrels in keeping with the street’s character.
The trust would also hold a meeting with tenants to gain further feedback on the trial.
Council roading manager Mike Harrison said it was great to be working with the community and refining the project.
