Innes community board member and Innes Council Candidate Ali Jones has criticised decision makers for ignoring public feedback, following a vote to install several speed bumps and remove 15 carparks along Ferry Road.

The Waipapa Papanui Innes Central Community Board approved the project on Thursday, despite what Jones described as “overwhelming opposition” from residents, road users, and businesses.

“A consultation was carried out in good faith and the result of that was a large majority of locals and others who use Ferry Road did not want several speed bumps and explained why,” Jones said.

Innes Ward Councillor Pauline Cotter, who supported the decision, was asked for comment but did not respond.

Jones said “Businesses were particularly concerned at the loss of 15 carparks and explained why. They have all been ignored. It’s clear the voice of the public is irrelevant.”

Concerns raised during the consultation included delays to emergency service response times, increased congestion, the loss of parking, and noise from heavy vehicles travelling over the bumps.

Jones said this is not an isolated example, pointing to the Cranford Street bus lane decision, where she claims widespread opposition was dismissed. “The local councillor even dismissed the positions presented by those not wanting a permanent bus lane as ‘not stacking up’ and yet the minority positions apparently did. It’s quite unbelievable.”

She said if elected to the Innes Council seat, she would work to restore trust between the community and elected members. “I regularly reassure people that their voices matter, that elected members listen to them and act accordingly when considering all of the information presented to us. It’s becoming harder to do that when there are outcomes like the Cranford Street, Deans Avenue and Ferry Road decisions.”

Community Board members who voted for this: Pauline Cotter, Simon Britten, Emma Twaddell, Jake McLellan, Sunita Gautam, John Miller.
Against: Ali Jones, Emma Norrish.
Absent: Victoria Henstock