Backlash and traffic woes sees part-removal of Henderson safer streets trial

Monday, 28 June 2021

Panuku is facing a backlash from Henderson locals about a trial to make the town centre safer.

Parts of a council-led trial to make the town centre of a West Auckland suburb safer will be removed after a community backlash and traffic issues.

Panuku’s Henderson Streets for People trial, which began in mid-May and is expected to last until the end of July, has seen a number of “temporary” changes made to roads, including Great North Rd and Railside Ave in Henderson.

These include a traffic flow plan, which would redirect traffic to Alderman Drive; artwork at the intersection of Great North Rd, Railside Ave and Ratanui St; a trial of bus-only lanes; and a trial of “safe shared paths” for people on bikes and scooters.

Planter boxes were being provided for “protection from traffic”.

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Hundreds marched in Henderson on Saturday to oppose the Henderson Streets for People trial.

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But the trial has been greatly opposed by locals and business owners in the area.

Two protests have taken place and an online petition to stop the trial completely has gained more than 4300 signatures.

More than 4300 people have signed a petition to have the trial stopped and Henderson’s streets returned to normal.

Because of “potential safety and compliance concerns”, Panuku’s Auckland priority location director John Carter said the original road layout would be reinstated along Railside Ave near Great North Rd.

The left turn lane from Great North Rd onto Henderson Valley Rd would also be put back to normal.

However, it would take Panuku until July 5 to start putting these roads back to the way they were.

Carter said the trial was to test ways the town centre could be less “dominated” by multi-lane traffic.

The left-turn lane from Great North Rd onto Henderson Valley Rd would be reinstated, Panuku said.

“However, once implemented, we learnt that people felt a portion of it was potentially unsafe and not delivering on its intended objectives.”

Feedback from the community has seen more than 250 forms submitted online and more than 2500 comments on Panuku’s social media channels.

“A portion of this feedback related to how safe people felt walking, cycling and driving through the changed layout.”

Carter said the trial was seen as a way to support Henderson’s regeneration.

“However, the cost of retaining these parts of the trial outweigh their benefits, and therefore we have made the call to remove them early.”

On social media, Waitākere ward councillor Shane Henderson said removing part of the trial was the “right call”.

“The trial in this area was poorly implemented and the community voice was clear.”

Henderson had previously said the trial was part of a package designed to “unlock Henderson”.

“To make people proud to live, work and have fun in the heartland of the west.”

At the end of the trial, the Henderson-Massey Local Board would discuss if changes are implemented permanently, he said.

On Saturday, hundreds of people marched in the town centre to show their opposition of the trial.

It continued despite Panuku’s decision to remove some elements – as locals wanted the trial stopped entirely.

Henderson resident Sunil Kaushal said more than 250 people turned out.

“The residents want to revert to the original plan, ensure Panuku has a good community consultation and hear their concerns.”

Despite protests and a petition, Panuku said the rest of the trial would continue as planned.