Links Avenue has access restrictions to help reduce traffic on the avenue during peak times and create a safer area for our community.
Restricted access hours
The restricted access hours are Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 9am and 2.30pm to 4pm, including public and school holidays.
During these hours, through-traffic is not permitted. There are no restrictions outside these hours.
Residents and visitors can avoid a fine during the restricted hours by:
- Entering and exiting Links Avenue from the same point at any time (e.g. enter Links Avenue through Concord Avenue and exit through Concord Avenue).
- Ensuring at least 15 minutes have passed between entering and exiting Links Avenue from different roads (e.g. enter through Concord Avenue and exit through Golf Road).
These measures ensure Links Avenue is not as a commuter shortcut during peak times, creating a safer street that enables everyone to have the option to move safely on bike, foot, scooters or by catching the bus.
How did we get here?
Restricted access was implemented due to significant safety concerns for school students. The safety issues were confirmed as part of an independent, safe system audit of Links Avenue undertaken by specialist road safety experts. The safety report confirmed that Links Avenue had an unsafe road layout for young people, especially with high volumes of traffic using Links Avenue. Due to these safety concerns, the council decided to make a change.
In March 2022, we introduced access restrictions to help reduce traffic on the avenue during peak times and create a safer area for our community. Since then, we trialled different access times to determine the most effective approach. In December 2023, the restricted access hours were weekdays 7am to 10am and 2pm to 4pm.
A new trial was introduced in July 2024 to give residents and visitors more ways to move around during restricted hours without needing an exemption or risking a fine by entering and exiting Links Avenue from the same point at any time, or ensuring at least 15 minutes have passed between entering and exiting from different roads.
Following an update on Links Avenue at the Project Planning and Monitoring Committee meeting on 17 September 2024, the community raised concerns about potential changes to its operation. The community decided to write to Council, sending 49 submissions—48 in support of the current restrictions and one opposing them. Feedback highlighted that the access restrictions have successfully prevented Links Avenue from being used as a commuter shortcut, improving safety for tamariki travelling to school by scooter, bike and on foot, and creating a more family-friendly neighbourhood.
At the 10 March 2025 City Delivery Committee meeting, a decision was made on the trial’s future, with a majority of Councillors supporting a balanced approach—retaining restricted access while reducing the restricted hours. These are the current access hours in place.