Traffic

One of the repeated concerns brought up at the first community meeting related to traffic and roading.  Without considered design, how will we ensure that vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists have safety without impeding traffic flow?

Once you start looking there are some interesting solutions out there to address those issues.  Have a look at a few, and make a comment on what you would like to see, or any ideas you have.

Some suggestions so far are:

• Walkway/cycleway alongside railway to provide safe off-road access to village and future developments (and local preschool).  This will have to be buffered from adjoining landowners with boundary plantings.
• One way system around village plaza or green where new retail or commercial zoning can be accommodated.  Vehicles will slow down but still be included in the village centre. 
• Roadway alongside the cycle/pathway/traintrack to provide extra access to village centre and to create buffer between railway and currently zoned residential land.
• Footpaths along regular walking/cycling routes to ensure safety on high speed roading sections.

For further information:

Franklin District Council staff informed me about a trend in planning traffic measures in residential areas. A few of their staff attended workshops as recently as this year by this Australian traffic engineer.  David Engwicht is the creator of the Walking Schoolbus programme.  There are innovative ideas about slowing traffic down without the need to prohibit it altogether that might be useful for us to consider.

 Traffic Tamers website