Motorists will not be able to turn left from Pitt St into the Knox block of George St when the block reopens to traffic this month.
This adjustment to the roading network was not among material presented to councillors when they voted in 2021 to convert three blocks of George St to one-way traffic as part of a multimillion-dollar upgrade.
Two-way traffic will be retained in the fourth block that is part of the upgrade, the Knox block, and retailers there were dismayed by removal of carparks and surprised by a recent design change leading to no left turn from Pitt St into George St.
The Otago Daily Times has been told councillors did not know about the change.
In emails obtained by the ODT, Cr Andrew Whiley said he felt changes had been made to the Knox block and Pitt St without due process — he was "extremely frustrated by what has happened".
"I did not want to debate this publicly, but I would like answers on how key decisions like this happen without governance involvement."
Asked to explain the decision-making process, the council confirmed its staff had made the call.
"We’re making changes to improve the efficiency of the intersection, but the flexible design of the new layout means left turning can be reinstated in future, if required," a spokesman said.
Removing the left-turn option from Pitt St was intended to prioritise east-west traffic flows for vehicles heading to and from the one-way Cumberland St and Castle St, "and was an operational decision made by staff as part of our wider work in the area".
AJ’s Shoe Repairs owner Andrew Farmer said he expected this would result in Frederick St getting clogged up.
Turning left from Pitt St used to be a helpful plan B for motorists at the five-way intersection if Frederick St looked congested, he said.
Mr Farmer said businesses in the block wanted traffic to flow into it.
Retailers representative Jason La Hood said property owners and retailers were disappointed about a lack of consultation and engagement about the change.
Mr La Hood doubted the proposed creation of three carparks in Pitt St would have much benefit for businesses in the Knox block.
Another point of contention for retailers was a proposed extended bus stop outside Knox Church.
Mr La Hood argued at a hearing about parking changes this week a double bus stop would be excessive and would needlessly erase two or three carparks.
In a letter to a council bylaw committee last month, retailers also said having a bus stop immediately before a crossing was dangerous.
The hearing, which is about a raft of parking changes and adjustments to bus stops, is to reconvene on Thursday.
The plan for the block was revised last year to restore some car parking, after retailers raised concerns about how many parks might be lost.
It was revised again this year after more feedback from businesses — three parks were added in Pitt St to offset parking losses on the western side of the Knox block, council staff said in documentation for the parking hearing.
"The amenity space on the western side is limited and the options for reducing the loss without compromising on bus stops that meet design guidelines, or removing the steps to Knox Church, have been exhausted," the documentation said.
