Gisborne, known for its scenic beauty and rugged terrain, has been grappling with the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle, which left many of its roads in disrepair. In a bid to manage the ongoing recovery efforts more effectively, the Gisborne District Council has introduced a new traffic management plan aimed at cutting costs and reducing the visual clutter caused by road cones. This innovative approach is set to address both the financial and operational challenges of road repairs while ensuring the safety of the community.
Under the new plan, which aligns with the government’s broader push for more efficient traffic management, the council aims to reduce the number of road cones used at unattended work sites such as slips and dropouts. Instead, semi-permanent markers will be installed, offering a more sustainable and less labor-intensive solution.
Tim Barry, the Community Lifelines Director at the Gisborne District Council, explained the reasoning behind this shift. “This new approach better meets the needs of our communities and reduces costs, while continuing to prioritise staff and user safety,” he said. Barry added that the council’s strategy aligns with the Minister of Transport Simeon Brown’s nationwide crackdown on the overuse of road cones, which have become a symbol of inefficiency in public roadworks.
Addressing Cyclone Gabrielle’s Devastation
The need for a new traffic management strategy was amplified by the destruction caused by Cyclone Gabrielle, which hit Gisborne and other parts of the North Island in early 2023. The cyclone triggered landslides, road collapses, and significant damage to the region’s infrastructure, leaving many roads impassable. As part of the recovery efforts, roadworks have been a common sight across the region, but the sheer scale of repairs has made traffic management a costly and cumbersome endeavor.
According to Barry, one of the major expenses involved in these road repairs has been the hiring and maintaining of road cones. Each site, whether attended or unattended, required cones for safety reasons, with unattended sites needing regular monitoring and maintenance. Under the previous system, these sites had to be checked every 24 hours, incurring significant labor costs.
“By introducing semi-permanent markers at unattended sites, we can drastically reduce the need for cones, and more importantly, the labor required to monitor them,” said Barry. The semi-permanent markers, which are sturdier and require less oversight, are expected to remain in place until repairs are completed.
Streamlining Traffic Management
One of the most significant changes introduced in the new plan is the consolidation of traffic management for all roadworks under one unified strategy. Previously, each work site had its own individual traffic management plan, which added layers of complexity and increased the overall cost of managing road repairs.
Barry explained that having a single traffic management plan for the entire district would simplify the process and lead to greater efficiency. “We’re taking a holistic approach. Instead of multiple plans for different sites, everything is now coordinated under one umbrella, ensuring that resources are used more effectively,” he said. This streamlined approach is expected to reduce the burden on council staff and contractors, while also improving the flow of traffic for motorists.
Alignment with National Policies
The council’s move to reduce the use of road cones and implement a more efficient traffic management system is in line with national policies introduced by the government earlier this year. In July, Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced that the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) and local councils would be required to report annually on their spending related to traffic management. The goal of this policy is to encourage local authorities to find cost-saving measures without compromising on safety.
In his statement, Minister Brown said, “For too long, road cones have been overused in roadworks across the country. It’s time to strike a balance between safety and efficiency, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely.” The government’s crackdown has prompted councils nationwide to reassess their traffic management strategies, with Gisborne District Council emerging as one of the early adopters of this new approach.
Barry acknowledged that the government’s initiative had influenced the council’s decision-making process. “Minister Brown’s focus on reducing unnecessary spending on traffic management made us take a closer look at our practices, and we realized there was room for improvement,” he said. “This new plan will not only save money but also make our roadworks more user-friendly.”
Long-Term Benefits for Gisborne Residents
The introduction of semi-permanent markers and a unified traffic management plan promises to deliver long-term benefits to both the council and the local community. For residents, fewer road cones on the streets mean less inconvenience and better traffic flow, particularly in areas where roadworks have become a daily reality.
Local business owner Sarah Harding, who runs a cafe in downtown Gisborne, welcomed the change. “It’s been really frustrating for both customers and delivery drivers to navigate through a maze of road cones. I’m glad the council is finally doing something about it,” she said. Harding added that the visual clutter of road cones had affected the appeal of the area, particularly for tourists.
Motorists, too, are likely to benefit from the reduced number of cones, which often cause confusion and frustration, especially when left at unattended sites for extended periods. John Watson, a local resident who commutes daily, said the abundance of cones had become a running joke among his family. “It sometimes feels like you’re driving through a slalom course,” he quipped. “If they can cut down on the number of cones, it’ll be a huge improvement.”
Ongoing Challenges for Attended Sites
While the new traffic management plan addresses the issue of unattended sites, procedures for attended sites—such as footpath repairs, night-time roadwork, and repairs carried out on road shoulders—are still a work in progress. According to Barry, these types of sites require a more nuanced approach due to the immediate safety risks posed to both workers and the public.
“Attended sites present a different set of challenges. We need to ensure that workers are protected, and that pedestrians and motorists are kept safe, particularly in high-traffic areas or at night,” Barry said. The council is currently reviewing various options for attended sites, including the use of alternative safety barriers and improved lighting systems for night work.
Barry emphasized that while changes are being made, safety would remain the council’s top priority. “We’re not cutting corners. Safety is non-negotiable. We’re just finding smarter ways to manage it.”
A Model for Other Regions?
Gisborne District Council’s new approach to traffic management may serve as a model for other regions in New Zealand, particularly those that are dealing with similar post-cyclone recovery challenges. With many areas of the North Island still in the process of rebuilding, the lessons learned from Gisborne’s experience could prove valuable for councils looking to strike a balance between efficiency, cost savings, and safety.
Dr. Emily Foster, a transportation policy expert at the University of Auckland, believes that Gisborne’s plan could set a precedent. “What we’re seeing in Gisborne is a shift toward smarter traffic management that prioritizes both fiscal responsibility and public safety. It’s a move that other councils will be watching closely, especially as the government puts more pressure on local authorities to rein in their spending,” she said.
Foster noted that the key to the plan’s success would be its implementation, particularly in terms of ensuring that the semi-permanent markers and unified traffic management system function as intended. “The challenge will be in the execution. If Gisborne can demonstrate that it works, we could see this approach replicated in other parts of the country,” she added.
As Gisborne District Council moves forward with its new traffic management plan, the community can expect to see fewer road cones and more efficient roadworks. By replacing cones at unattended sites with semi-permanent markers and consolidating all roadworks under one plan, the council is not only cutting costs but also improving the overall experience for residents and visitors alike.
While challenges remain for attended sites, the council’s commitment to safety and efficiency offers a promising outlook for the future of road management in the region. With national policies pushing for greater accountability in traffic management spending, Gisborne’s innovative approach could very well serve as a blueprint for other districts facing similar challenges.
As the roads slowly recover from the devastation of Cyclone Gabrielle, Gisborne’s residents can take solace in the fact that their local government is taking proactive steps to ensure a smoother, safer journey ahead—both literally and figuratively.
