17. Transportation Volume One [D] Policy 17.4.4 - Ensure that the cost of new roading required to provide access to new subdivision or development is met by the developer and that upgrading of existing roads needed as a result of development is contributed to by the developer. Access along public roads is unrestricted and provides community-wide benefit. That benefit is reflected in the funding of road maintenance from Council rates. However, where new roads are required to connect new subdivisions or developments to the existing road network, the capital cost of that construction should be met by the principal beneficiary of the access, i.e. the developer. Where roads need upgrading as a consequence of a development or subdivision, then the developer should also contribute to the costs of the upgrading. [D] Policy 17.4.5 – Commercial and industrial activities with potential to adversely affect the arterial road network should preferably be located on properties with access to secondary arterial and collector routes. Development pressures, along with the aspirations of commercial or industrial operators to locate on high traffic routes, can threaten the functioning of national and arterial roads. While there is a need to provide for people’s economic wellbeing, this should not be at the expense of the way in which the road network operates. To ensure potential conflicts with the functions of primary arterial and national routes are minimised, it is appropriate that commercial and/or industrial activities be located on secondary arterial and collector routes. [D] Policy 17.4.6 – Avoid the establishment of commercial or industrial activities attracting high traffic volumes in areas where there is a potential for conflict with residential uses. Traffic associated with non-residential development has the potential to affect the residential amenity of the immediate area. While non-residential use is provided for as a permitted activity in residential areas, this is a limit to the intensity or level of traffic that can be absorbed by the surroundings. Other activities generating high traffic volumes should also be avoided in residential areas. [D] Policy 17.4.7 – Space should be provided onsite to accommodate manoeuvring, loading and parking of vehicles without creating congestion or conflicts with moving vehicles or pedestrians on adjacent roads. The efficient use and capacity of a road can be reduced by parked or manoeuvring vehicles, particularly on roads where there is a predominance of through traffic. Public roads in urban areas do provide a certain amount of kerbside vehicle parking. However, it is important to maintain roads for the free movement of vehicles and cyclists and to ensure that parked vehicles do not compromise pedestrian safety. Where activities give rise to demand for vehicle parking they will be expected to make provision, away from public roads, for that parking. Public roads will continue to be available for supplementary parking, particularly where kerbside parking maximises convenience for visitors to premises without compromising road safety. [D] Policy 17.4.8 – Support and/or advocate for the use of rail corridors for alternative transport uses such as walking and cycling, where safe and practicable. State Highway 1 dominates the towns and settlements north and south of Blenheim and although people do cycle this section of the state highway, the environment is not conducive to the activity. Opportunities exist for using railway designated land to develop new cycle/walkways, such as that between Blenheim and Riverlands. This would provide direct connections for local communities in an off-road environment with relatively high amenity and will help the Council encourage walking and cycling as safe, environmentally friendly, healthy and enjoyable travel options. 17 – 10