In March 2026 AT undertook consultation on proposed “safety and accessibility” changes adjacent to the intersections of Cockle Bay, Pah and Churchill Roads and Shelly Beach Parade. In essence this involved:

• New pedestrian refuge islands on Cockle Bay Road and Pah Road

• New pedestrian refuge islands outside 98 Cockle and at 7A Pah Road

• New pedestrian and splitter islands at the Cockle Bay Road and Churchill Road intersection

• Removal of a total of 27 parking spaces

• Removal of the tree outside 7A Pah Road

• Relocating the bus stop from 7A Pah Road to 3A Pah Road

• Extending no parking at all times near the new crossings, street corners and around bus stops

• New kerb ramps and tactile paving

• Red “slow” markings.

We presume that pedestrian refuge islands are not synonymous with pedestrian crossings. A map is attached.

AT has written to us indicating that the Howick Local Board (HLB) wished AT to contact us to gain further input.

At the time the original proposal was put forward we had some discussions with the Howick Local Board on the subject, and were encouraged to hold a public meeting to discuss the proposal.

The issue was discussed by members at the Annual General Meeting, including some of the quantification provided by AT, such as:

• The estimated price of the proposal is $250,000, but no detailed cost breakdown has been prepared at this stage

• There have been 2 accidents at the location over the past 5 years, both involving vehicles

• The number of peak hour pedestrians crossing the 4 road locations was 4, 10, 11, and 17

• There had been no assessment on the impact of the loss of 27 parking spaces.

Attendees agreed that the usage and accident volumes did not justify the expenditure and proposed a budget reduction of $250,000 instead of the work being undertaken.