Church representatives said yesterday a decision by the Dunedin City Council to prevent traffic turning left into the Knox block of George St from Pitt St should be reversed immediately.
"Pitt St is a pivotal arterial route for access to Knox Church," church deacons said in a letter.
"Many of our parishioners and users of our complex rely on being able to turn left from Pitt St into Knox Row to access the Knox Church entrance and carpark."
Interim church moderator the Rev Graham Redding said the council did not explore with the church what implications there might be from not allowing a left turn and he noted the decision had been described by the council as an operational matter.
"Since when did an operational decision negate the need to have proper consultation with those affected?" Dr Redding said.
The council yesterday seemed to soften its stance, signalling that some vehicles might be allowed to turn left at the intersection, after all.
"We are aware of concerns raised by some in the community, including members of Knox Church, and we will continue to work with all parties to get the best possible outcome in the area," a council spokesman said.
The planned changes were designed to improve the efficiency of the five-way intersection for east-west traffic flows and make it easier for pedestrians to cross there, he said.
"The new layout has also been designed with flexibility in mind and can allow for small and mid-sized vehicles to turn left at the intersection if needed.
"We will make a final decision on this once staff have tested and monitored the performance of the intersection under the new layout."
The Knox block is due to reopen to traffic this month, following completion of that section of the George St upgrade.
Businesses in Knox Row and councillors alike were surprised by the council’s no-left-turn plan that emerged last month.
The council then said last week "flexible design of the new layout means left turning can be reinstated in future, if required".
That prompted Dr Redding to say there was no need to wait — "do it now".
The church’s deacons’ court said a range of organisations used the church facilities.
"Unrestricted access to the church complex and carpark seven days a week is vitally important for this landmark church."
