Wellingtonians largely support radical plan to remove cars from central city streets

A bus on one of Wellington's inner city street.
A bus on one of Wellington's inner city street. Photo credit: File

Wellingtonians have backed a radical new plan to remove cars, widen footpaths and pedestrianise side streets in the inner city.

Almost 2000 members of the public gave their feedback on three potential options proposed as part of the Let's Get Wellington Moving programme.

The majority backed the "transform" plan - the most radical change of the three. It proposes removing all public vehicles from Lambton Quay to Courtenay Place and replacing them with bus lanes.

Pavements would be widened by as much as 75 percent by removing all parking bays and side streets would be pedestrian friendly.

There would also be a shared zone beside the footpath for bikes and electric scooters.

The concept received high praise, with one responder saying it was "fantastic" as it found a balance between walking, cycling and buses.

"This would be a game changer for Wellington," said another.

"[It] would transform our beautiful city into the modern metropolis we all know it could be."

Although most respondents backed the plan, not everyone was a fan.

"It's completely insane," one person said.

"You may as well burn the city down!"

Just 12 percent of people said they didn't like any of the options proposed.

The other two plans are 'streamline" which would see some general traffic removed from the area, while buses were made more reliable and "prioritise" which would create two bus priority lanes but reduce room for walking and cycling.