The first set of Tim Tam concrete cycleway separators were removed from a portion of Devon Street West this morning to ascertain the costs involved with removal. It marks the first step of a trial that was voted on by NPDC councillors after a motion was narrowly lost to remove all separators and reinstate the road to its original state.
The trial will replace the concrete separators with low-profile rubber replacements and reinstate carparks along a stretch of Devon Street West that is being resealed by NZTA in March. For many local residents and businesses in the area, the loss of parking has been a major pain point, making it difficult for homeowners, visitors, customers and tradespeople to find a spot.
Mayor Max Brough, who campaigned on the removal of the blocks, has dubbed the new rubber replacements “Mallowpuffs.” Unlike the rigid concrete Tim Tams, these 80mm-high rubber dividers are designed to be driven over without damaging vehicles, a common complaint from locals, and will allow traffic to safely pull over to allow emergency vehicles through.
While the Mayor originally hoped for a total removal, the estimated removal costs of $1.6m led councillors to opt for this trial instead. However, the change hasn’t been met with universal praise. At a recent briefing, some residents expressed frustration that the trial doesn’t go far enough, while others questioned the unknown final cost of the “Mallowpuff” installation.
Council staff will be monitoring the new layout closely over the coming months. They are looking at safety data and traffic flow to see if this hybrid design provides the safety cyclists need without the “stress” the concrete blocks caused drivers.
This isn’t a permanent fix just yet. The results of the trial are expected to be reported back to the council in September, at which point elected members will decide if the rest of the Tim Tams stay or go.
