Update 7 May 2025
At the 10 March 2025 City Delivery Committee meeting, Tauranga City Council elected members confirmed that the access restrictions on Links Avenue will remain in place with reduced hours, reflecting strong community support while allowing greater access.
Starting 7 May 2025, the new restricted hours will be Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 9am and 2.30pm to 4pm, including public and school holidays, with no restrictions outside these hours.
View the media release
The Links Avenue safety improvements project was initiated in response to community concerns raised about student safety and findings from an independent safety review of Links Avenue. Initially, the bus lanes were removed, and access restrictions were implemented to reduce the amount of traffic using the avenue as a thoroughfare during peak times. We worked with the Links Avenue Community Panel to implement changes, including relocating bus stops, improved pedestrian crossing facilities, traffic calming measures, and cycle lane separators.
Links Avenue access restriction trial
In March 2022, we introduced access restrictions to help reduce traffic on the avenue during peak times and create a safer area for our community. Since then, we've been trialling different access times to determine the most effective approach.
A new trial was introduced in July 2024 to give residents and visitors more ways to move around during restricted hours without needing an exemption or risking a fine.
Residents and visitors can avoid a fine during the restricted hours by:
- Entering and exiting Links Avenue from the same point at any time (e.g. enter Links Avenue through Concord Avenue and exit through Concord Avenue).
- Ensuring at least 15 minutes have passed between entering and exiting Links Avenue from different roads (e.g. enter through Concord Avenue and exit through Golf Road).
Following an update on Links Avenue at the Project Planning and Monitoring Committee meeting on 17 September 2024, the community raised concerns about potential changes to its operation. The community decided to write to Council, sending 49 submissions—48 in support of the current restrictions and one opposing them. Feedback highlighted that the access restrictions have successfully prevented Links Avenue from being used as a commuter shortcut, improving safety for tamariki travelling to school by scooter, bike and on foot, and creating a more family-friendly neighbourhood.
At the 10 March 2025 City Delivery Committee meeting, a decision was made on the trial’s future, with a majority of Councillors supporting a balanced approach—retaining restricted access while reducing the restricted hours. The new restricted hours from 7 May 2025 will be Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 9am and 2.30pm to 4pm, including public and school holidays, with no restrictions outside these hours.
What’s next?
The new reduced restricted hours will take effect in May, following a bylaw amendment.
Stay informed
To keep up to date, you can visit this web page for the latest news, or please sign up for the Tauranga City Council's Weekly Bulletin for news on Links Avenue and other projects.
If you have any questions or concerns about the project, please email us at linksavenue@tauranga.govt.nz.