Consultation on Richmond Hill Road has now closed. People were able to provide feedback from 2 August to 8 September 2024. Submissions were received from four organisations and 61 individuals. The majority of submitters (49, 74%) did not support the proposed plan. The main issues raised by submitters were:

• Vehicles currently speed along this road (22)
• Speeds would increase without parked vehicles (22)
• The proposal would reduce overall safety (12)

We also received requests for lower speed limits (12), requests for better signage (10), suggestions that pedestrians should use the existing walkway (7).

Following consultation, an updated plan was developed which includes less no stopping restrictions and focuses on improving the connection between the footpath uphill of 70 Richmond Hill Road, and the pedestrian accessway located between 62 and 64 Richmond Hill Road.

This updated plan was presented to the Waihoro Spreydon-Cashmere-Heathcote Community Board who did not make a decision at their meeting on 14 November 2024. The Board requested a workshop to explore an alternate option that provides for a defined footpath and defined car parking areas. Staff are looking into this and will present any alternative options to the Board to discuss at a workshop in 2025.

Richmond Hill Road is narrow and in some places the footpath is the same height as the road. People park vehicles on the footpath to avoid blocking the narrow road and this creates safety issues for pedestrians who are forced to walk on the road to get around the parked vehicles. The parked vehicles can also prevent larger emergency services vehicles from accessing properties further up Richmond Hill Road.

We’re planning to formally mark the footpath area and add no stopping restrictions between the bend near 70 Richmond Hill Road and the bend near 54 Richmond Hill Road, to make it safer for everyone.