Permanently banning cars from Dunedin's scenic John Wilson Ocean Dr could lead to a new coastal pathway stretching from Brighton to Taiaroa Head, a Dunedin City Council hearings committee has heard.
The idea was raised by the Dunedin Amenities Society during the first day of a council hearings committee meeting in Dunedin yesterday.
The hearing was part of public consultation on the future of John Wilson Ocean Dr, which has attracted 259 public submissions, including 38 speakers, with a slim majority backing the road's continued closure to vehicles.
Yesterday's hearing saw passionate arguments on both sides of the debate - with calls from some for the road to remain closed to vehicles, providing a safe pedestrian promenade, and others asking for motorists to be allowed vehicle access to stunning coastal views.
Amenities Society chairman Douglas Field argued a car-free promenade could help link a network of "splendid" recreational facilities, reserves and wildlife spots that could - with careful planning - form a trail.
The trail could boost wildlife tourism, with potential economic benefits comparable to the Central Otago Rail Trail.
"John Wilson [Ocean] Dr . . . is potentially an important bit in what I see to be a recreational facility of great potential."
Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society Dunedin branch secretary Mark Hanger believed a car-free Lawyers Head would allow the development of a colony of Australasian gannets.
Similar colonies near Auckland, and at Cape Kidnappers in Hawkes Bay, were significant tourist attractions, with hundreds of visitors each day, he said.
Gerard Liddell - who helped organise the John Wilson Promenaders gala day on Sunday - said the drive was the only car-free road in the city, and its recreational use had increased in the past year.
"We think the possibilities for Dunedin are far greater as a promenade," he said.
Other speakers also noted the reduction in suicides in the area since the road was closed to vehicles in 2006.
However, Dave Crooks - a resident, recreational surfer and diver and member of the South Coast Board Riders Association - argued for reopening the road, saying motorists were drawn to the views and sea's proximity.
The experience was different from other scenic city drives, such as Highcliff Rd, on Otago Peninsula, or Mt Cargill, he said.
"There's a special feeling from being beside the sea. You can't get it in the mountains."
New Zealand Automobile Association Otago district chairman Dave Gamble said a survey of Dunedin members found 60% of 800 respondents wanted the road reopened, while 27% supported restrictions.
The road could be redeveloped to provide for motorists while protecting other users, he said.
"We don't necessarily believe that walking and cycling are incompatible with vehicles."
Steven de Graaf urged the committee to ignore the "vocal minority" wanting cars banned, while Dave Sharp said the council had an "absolute responsibility" to reopen the "world-class" scenic drive to vehicles.
Grey Power Otago president Jo Millar said some older people could not walk to Lawyers Head, and banning vehicles meant they were being told "you cannot have the view from the top".
