New Plymouth Council’s Traffic Strategy Wins Government Praise

A new traffic management strategy implemented by the New Plymouth District Council has garnered commendations from New Zealand’s government for enhancing safety, reducing costs, and expediting road projects. Transport and Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop praised the council for being proactive in trialling the New Zealand Guidelines for Temporary Traffic Management, which are set to be rolled out nationwide in January 2024.

The guidelines aim to keep both road workers and users safe by rigorously assessing and mitigating risks before selecting traffic control methods and equipment. This initiative follows significant public frustration over the excessive use of road cones, which often hampered traffic flow.

In a letter to the council, Bishop expressed his admiration for their efforts, stating, “I commend you for your efforts in playing a key role in the transformational shift for the sector.” The council began applying these guidelines in 2022, ensuring that staff were well-prepared ahead of the impending changes.

Sarah Downs, the council’s general manager of operational excellence, reported a 6% reduction in traffic management costs, surpassing their initial target of 5%. She highlighted the ongoing roundabout construction at the intersection of State Highway 3 and Princess Street in Waitara as a prime example. The project commenced in March 2023 and is set for completion in July 2024.

“That part of the roundabout project was completed in a quarter of the time that it would have taken with stop-go traffic management,” Downs noted in a press release. Additionally, the council coordinated with the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) to install a new water main during the road closure, which resulted in approximately $100,000 in savings on project costs.

Downs emphasized that the guidelines do more than merely reduce the number of cones; they ensure that the appropriate traffic management plan is tailored to fit the specific work and location. This comprehensive approach underscores the council’s commitment to improving road safety and operational efficiency while addressing public concerns.

As the council prepares for the national rollout of these guidelines, it sets a precedent for other regions, demonstrating how strategic traffic management can lead to significant improvements in both safety and cost-effectiveness.