The Christchurch City Council has confirmed it is installing bollards on Oxford Terrace.

A spokesman say the bollards, which will be made of steel, with a stainless steel sleeve over top, will also be installed in City Mall.

He said police have expressed concerns about the potential risk that vehicles driving through the area pose to the groups of people who congregate at night outside the bars on Oxford Terrace.

The spokesman said installation of the automated bollards will involve removing a small section of the tram track base.

Installation work is expected to start in May 2021 to suit the operational requirements of the tram.

“Since the creation of the southbound shared zone on Oxford Terrace, issues have arisen with vehicles entering the mall outside of the permitted times, driving in the wrong direction and parking illegally.”

The retractable bollards will be operated automatically to allow access for approved vehicles. Emergency services organisations and the Council’s Transport Unit will be able to operate the bollards.

The cost of the bollards and their installation will cost about $550,000.

Callers to Newstalk ZB Christchurch were overwhelming positive of the bollards.

Christchurch businessman Antony Gough, who developed the $140 million Terrace precinct, told Chris Lynch he’s been lobbying for the bollards for a couple years and is delighted they’re finally being installed.

He says there will be three placed in the middle of the strip as well at the entrance ways.

Mr Gough says some will be 25 centimetres wide and go deep into the ground.

He said some will be remotely operated and they’re designed to stop huge trucks.

Newstalk ZB has approached New Zealand police to comment.