\u2018These flexi posts really ruin the vibe\u2019<\/p>\n
One person, criticising the signs on a social media thread, said they hoped the signs were only temporary. <\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019re gonna look even worse in a few months once they\u2019re battered and grubby,\u201d they said. <\/p>\n
\u201cGenuine question, who do I contact to tell them that these flexi posts really ruin the vibe,\u201d another person wrote.<\/p>\n
Auckland Council city centre priority location director, Simon Oddie, told the Herald the council has received a report that a pedestrian recently slipped on one of the tree pits.<\/p>\n
Aucklanders are criticising new bright yellow safety signs on a central city street, claiming they have ruined the \u201cvibe\u201d of the area. Photo \/ Anna Heath<\/p>\n
Oddie said after speaking to neighbouring businesses, it was heard anecdotally that some others have slipped too.<\/p>\n
\u201cFurther investigations have found that the surface of the tree pits in this area can get very slippery in wet weather,\u201d Oddie said. <\/p>\n
He said to date, no complaints have been formally received about the signs.<\/p>\n
\u201cSigns have been installed as an interim measure to let people know about this potential slipping hazard, while [council] work on a permanent solution. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe understand some people may not appreciate the signs aesthetically; however, we need to ensure people can walk safely in the area and are aware of any risks,\u201d Oddie said. <\/p>\n
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown\u2019s office declined to comment on the signs. <\/p>\n
What is the project? <\/p>\n
Auckland Council told the Herald the major project, Te H\u0101 Noa, on Victoria St aimed to make the key central city street greener, easier and safer to move through.<\/p>\n
The project aimed to create more spacious walking and cycling connections to support the thousands of people who will use the City Rail Link\u2019s Te Waihorotiu Station, expected to open later this year.<\/p>\n
Oddie said Te H\u0101 Noa Stage 1 (Kitchener to Federal Sts) has an allocated budget of $50.5 million. <\/p>\n
He said at this stage, the council was on track to deliver the full Stage 1 within budget. <\/p>\n
When finished, Victoria St will have one vehicle lane in each direction, wide tree-lined footpaths with places to sit, street furniture, public art and a designated cycle lane.<\/p>\n
Brown earlier called for a pause on the Victoria St linear park project<\/a> in February last year due to cost and disruption.<\/p>\n