Dunedin city councillors will next week consider three options to improve public safety at Lawyers Head.
A report to the council's community development committee provides details on two types of security fence that could be used in the area, but also suggests a new permanent gate blocking vehicles from using John Wilson Ocean Dr.
The two fence options include the council's original proposal to build a fence running along the edge of cliffs at Lawyers Head, which would cost an estimated $140,000.
The alternative was a new fence design, built below the cliff edge, at a cost of between $200,000 and $250,000, which would minimise the impact on views from the area.
The third option would see permanent gates or another type of vehicle barrier built on John Wilson Ocean Dr, replacing the existing gate and preventing vehicles from driving the road to Lawyers Head.
The report, by business development team leader Greg Sligo, said the option to retain gates on John Wilson Ocean Dr was included following a meeting with representatives from the Chisholm Park Golf Club, who had previously objected to the idea of a fence blocking views from the course.
Their preference was for a barrier on John Wilson Ocean Dr, which had been proven to be effective, came at a lower cost and would help reduce problems with litter and anti-social behaviour, Mr Sligo said.
There was a range of more "aesthetically suitable" options for a permanent barrier, including bollards or a more robust gate.
A turn-around space should also be provided, he said.
The cost of the option was estimated at between $20,000 and $30,000, he said.
All three options would be considered at the committee's meeting on Tuesday, and Mr Sligo's report made no recommendation.
The meeting would be the latest step in the drawn-out saga over the road's future, with arguments divided between those who wanted the road open to vehicles and those who wanted it closed for the recreational benefits or public safety.
In September, the council reopened John Wilson Ocean Dr on weekdays during daylight hours, and planned a 2.8m-high fence running 281m along cliffs at Lawyers Head.
The road was closed again on October 6, at Mayor Peter Chin's instruction, following a death on September 24.
At a council meeting last week, Mr Chin obtained retrospective consent for his decision to close the road, and councillors voted to keep it closed until they were satisfied alternative preventive measures could be put in place.
