Key Takeaways:
- Auckland Transport is proposing to allow general traffic on Queen Street from 7pm to 7am, reversing the current restrictions.
- The proposal is in opposition to the longstanding vision and strategy for the City Centre, which prioritizes people-friendly streets.
- The changes are set to be implemented in mid-March 2026, despite a lack of consultation with the public and local businesses.
- The proposal has been met with criticism, with many arguing that it will lead to increased traffic congestion, noise, and air pollution.
- The public can voice their opposition to the proposal by emailing elected members and Auckland Transport.
Introduction to the Issue
The city of Auckland is once again facing a proposal to change the layout of Queen Street, one of its main streets. Unfortunately, the proposed changes are not in line with the city’s vision for a people-friendly street. Instead, they would allow general traffic to flow through the street from 7pm to 7am, reversing the current restrictions. This decision has been met with criticism from many, who argue that it will lead to increased traffic congestion, noise, and air pollution.
The History of Queen Street Proposals
The debate over the shape of Queen Street has been ongoing for decades. In 2011, Patrick Reynolds asked why cars were still allowed on the street, given that there are no vehicle entrances to buildings from Queen Street. In 2016, Matt wrote about the long-term impact of street upgrades in the 2000s, which showed a significant increase in pedestrian numbers and a decrease in vehicle numbers. In 2018, Auckland Council voted unanimously to pedestrianize Queen Street, but the plan was never implemented. Instead, a watered-down version was introduced, which restricted general traffic between Wakefield Street and Wellesley Street.
The Current Proposal
The current proposal would allow general traffic to use Queen Street from 7pm to 7am, effectively reversing the current restrictions. The proposal also includes the implementation of 7am-7pm bus lanes on Wellesley Street and adjustments to access to Elliott Street. The changes are set to be implemented in mid-March 2026, despite a lack of consultation with the public and local businesses. The proposal has been met with criticism, with many arguing that it will lead to increased traffic congestion, noise, and air pollution.
The Impact of the Proposal
The proposal has been criticized for ignoring the reality that the City Rail Link will pour thousands of people into the city center, making a people-friendly street even more necessary. The proposal also ignores the success of people-friendly streets in other cities, such as George Street in Sydney. The proposal has been met with opposition from many, who argue that it will lead to a decline in the quality of life for residents and visitors.
What Can Be Done
The public can voice their opposition to the proposal by emailing elected members and Auckland Transport. It is essential to be polite but eloquent in expressing frustrations and to emphasize the importance of prioritizing people over cars. The key asks are to keep the existing 24/7 restrictions on general traffic, implement logical pickup and drop-off plans for ubers and taxis, and ensure mobility access is enabled without allowing a free-for-all of private vehicles. Ultimately, the vision is for the whole of Queen Street to be traffic-free, with set times for deliveries and clever pick-up and drop-off spots.
Conclusion
The proposal to allow general traffic on Queen Street from 7pm to 7am is a step backward for the city of Auckland. It ignores the longstanding vision and strategy for the City Centre, which prioritizes people-friendly streets. The public can make a difference by voicing their opposition to the proposal and emphasizing the importance of prioritizing people over cars. By working together, we can create a better future for Queen Street and the city of Auckland.
