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[Heathcote Valley people will probably be aware of the proposed changes to traffic flows at the Ferrymead Bridge. Is it a downgrade for our valley? Roland Harrison and Jackie Maurice think so and want changes.]
 Dear Mr. Mayor
After receiving the rather fine new publication "Our Christchurch" in which you talk about wanting the involvement of ordinary people in the decision-making for Christchurch, we were enboldened to write to you about an issue which has been concerning us.
In a recent Heathcote Valley Community Association Newsletter, there is an article about the upgrade to the Ferrymead Bridge. It appears that the plan proposed does not allow for any right turn from Bridle Path Road towards Sumner. This seems to be completely bizarre.
As local residents we are of course aware that it can be difficult to
turn right at this point at some times of the day. But there are many
times when it is perfectly possible to make this turn safely.
We are sure that most residents would like to have this junction improved, but the current proposal appears to have decided that this is just too difficult and has basically just given up on residents of the Heathcote Valley who wish to visit Sumner. The effect will be that drivers will instigate one of two rat-runs with very negative and possibly dangerous effects on other road-users and pedestrians.
We suspect that many drivers who are forced to turn left from the end of Bridle Path Road will attempt to turn right into Tidal View and return to the bridge via the Mobil Petrol station. Do the owners of the Mobil station know that the council is proposing that their forecourt will become part of the route to Sumner for residents in the Heathcote Valley?
The second (marginally better) route will be to turn left off Humphries Drive and cut through the new retail units back out onto Ferry Road. We can't believe that the council really wants to sanction either of these two routes. However, this is what will happen with the current proposal because the only 'real' route over proper roads involves a large detour via Tunnel Road and Ferry Road.
Surely, it can't be beyond the wit of man to come up with a workable solution which would allow a right turn from the end of Bridle Path Road? We also ask whether the part of the council which devised this plan knows about the part of the council with is planning all that extra housing on Bridle Path Road? If we are going to have development in the Valley, then surely the road system should be up to it. Is this joined-up thinking?
We know how busy you will be in this job, but we hope that you will have a look at this. This is the sort of thing where local people feel powerless in the face of 'planning' and we really need somebody who can listen to us and take up our cause.
Best wishes
Roland Harrison and Jackie Maurice
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