Tony Brennand
Manager Transport Policy
Wellington Regional Council
The Guardians of Pauatahanui Inlet are concerned that the ecological health and integrity of the Pauatahanui Inlet is maintained, even restored. Roading is one of the major issues confronting the inlet – both directly as SH58, SH1 and Grays Road are directly adjacent, and indirectly, through the traverse of roads through the catchment.
Guardians have noted the continuing increase of traffic between the Hutt Valley and Porirua, and in particular to the Kapiti Coast via Grays Road.
The pressures on the Inlet are from both increased traffic on existing routes, and the move to develop new roads within the catchment.
Increased traffic inevitably brings demands for the upgrading of existing routes – hence the present Transit project to widen SH58 from Manor Park to Brittens. This will exert pressure to 4-lane this road all the way to Pauatahanui and thence to SH1.
While roading inpacts through the catchment can be mitigated to some degree, there is no opportunity to avoid or mitigate impacts of upgrading roading around the inlet itself. The effects of road run-off from exhaust emissions and tire dust, already likely to be significant, would be greatly increased.
Guardians believe that the Plan is flawed as it does not address the issue of commuting between the Kapiti Coast and the Hutt. The most significant increase to traffic around the inlet is by way of Grays Road, and this is the route which retains a significant natural character.
Without this consideration, the roading needs of Greater Wellington cannot be adequately assessed in terms of social, economic or environmental impacts.
Notwithstanding this, Guardians prefer roading routes which would reduce traffic density around the Inlet, and preferably which avoid the catchment as well.
Active discouragement of commuting and heavy traffic from Grays Road should be considered.
The environmental impacts of any of the proposed routes on the Pauatahanui Inlet must be given serious consideration.
In summary, the Guardians are concerned at the potential impact should an alternative east-west link to SH58 not be built. Should a link be built then we would be concerned that the impacts on the Pauatahanui Inlet are carefully considered and countered. Finally we believe that the strategy should address Hutt-Kapiti transport issues.
Guardians wish to be heard in support of this submission
Guardians of Pautahanui Inlet
PO Box 57034, Mana, Porirua City
