Four options for road crossings are on the table for a high foot-traffic area on Pohutukawa Avenue in Ōhope – including keeping it as it is.

Whakatāne District Council is asking the community for its preferences - “zebra, hump, platform or hold the line?”

The idea for a pedestrian crossing in the busy area between West End Road and Mair Street has been considered by the council previously. It is one of the busiest stretches of road in Ōhope, with people walking between the beach, shops, cafés and playground, alongside those driving, cycling and parking.

However, these ideas have proved controversial because of the loss of parking they would cause.

The road is due to be resurfaced in February, so the council is asking the public now whether a crossing should be built alongside the planned work.

Council transportation manager Ann-Elise Reynolds said the options reflected what the community had told the council before about balancing safety, accessibility, parking and cost.

“These options show what each of those choices would mean for Pōhutukawa Avenue,” Reynolds said.

Two raised platforms would cost $100,000 and mean five fewer car parks.

Two zebra crossings on raised platforms would cost $120,000 and mean nine fewer car parks.

A speed hump at the western end paired with a raised crossing at the eastern end would cost $80,000 and mean three fewer car parks.

The fourth option is no change, with no additional crossing cost, no parking loss and no new crossing improvements delivered as part of the resurfacing.

The first three options aim to slow vehicle speeds, improve visibility of pedestrians and provide level access for prams, wheelchairs and mobility devices.

“We really want to hear what people think. Their feedback will be part of the information the council considers when it makes its decision,” Reynolds said.

The council is also asking about the reserve area next to the Whakatāne Surf Lifesaving Club on Mair Street, which provides some unstructured parking area. There is no proposed project or confirmed funding for parking and beach access improvements there.

“We want to know whether improvements near Mair Street should be a priority for future investment, and how people weigh that up against other transport needs such as resilience, safety and growth planning,” Reynolds said.

“Tell us which option you prefer and why, and how important parking and safe crossing facilities are to you.”

Submissions must be in by midnight on October 26, and will help inform the council’s decision on December 3.

Make your submission online at koreromai.whakatane.govt.nz/pohutukawa-avenue-crossing-options, or email [email protected].

Alternatively, pick up a submission form from the council offices at 14 Commerce Street, or from the Whakatāne, Edgecumbe, Ōhope or Murupara libraries.