Links Avenue Safety Improvements

We are working towards creating a safer street that enables people and children to have the option to move independently and safely on bikes, on foot, on scooters or catching the bus.

For buses to be an attractive and viable option for transportation, the design of bus stop spacing should consider passenger demand. Research has shown that bus stops are needed more frequently in residential areas, and the distance between stops should be no less than 250m but no more than 400m. The placement of crossings is determined by the natural flow of traffic and the demand for pedestrians to cross at certain points. Moving some bus stops is also needed to improve visibility between approaching traffic and people crossing at the new pedestrian crossings.

Pedestrian crossings are placed in places that make it safer and easier for children, adults or people using mobility scooters or wheelchairs to cross the road.

We value the feedback from the community and postponed the upgrades, except those needed for the new pedestrian crossings.

Currently, there are time restrictions in place for Links Avenue for only a minimal number of hours. The avenue is accessible on weekends with a speed limit of 30km/h, while weekday restrictions apply.

From 15 December 2023, weekday access will change to 7am to 10am and 2pm to 4pm. Emergency vehicles, buses, bikes, and motorbikes can use this area anytime.

A cul-de-sac was implemented due to significant safety concerns for school students. The safety issues were confirmed as part of an independent, safe system audit of Links Avenue undertaken by specialist road safety experts. The safety report confirmed that Links Avenue had an unsafe road layout for young people, especially with high volumes of traffic using Links Avenue. Due to these safety concerns, the council decided to make a change.

Reducing the impact for directly affected residents living on Links Avenue or a connecting street such as between Golf Road and Concord Avenue has continually been explored. Unfortunately, all the potential solutions ran into operational or regulatory constraints.

A recent development has provided a glimmer of hope. The Ministry of Transport has passed new legislation called “Reshaping Streets” that can potentially eliminate some of the regulatory obstacles that may come with some of the possible solutions. We are reviewing the legal and technical options and plan to share them with you in the coming year or earlier.