The meeting, organised by Clutha-Southland MP Todd Barclay and held at St Margaret’s Church, was called to address queueing traffic and parking congestion on State Highway 6, near the airport.
Issues raised will form part of Mr Barclay’s petition to NZTA, demanding it takes immediate action to curb parking along that stretch of road. Residents took the opportunity to raise other traffic concerns. One described NZTA plans as a "dog’s breakfast".
Another said "gridlock" was dangerous and a third blamed the airport for "not doing its bit" to alleviate traffic flow.
Queenstown Airport chief executive Colin Keel was not available for interview when contacted by the Otago Daily Times. An emailed statement said the airport was actively listening to the local community and working to provide "convenient, affordable and safe car-parking solutions both short and long-term".
It is adding 50 parking spaces by the end of November and is looking at a park-and-ride trial.
NZTA has said it is working on the problem, and signs, advising drivers they can only parallel park not angle park, are on the way.An extra lane is also planned at the BP roundabout to ease delays.
Not all residents are convinced.
Frankton Community Association chairman Glyn Lewers, one of about 60 people who attended, accused the airport of "not pulling its weight and not doing right by the community".
He also said the NZTA had things back-to-front.
"They will put in an underpass for cows but not for primary school children."
The volume of traffic was also a worry.
"You have petrol tankers and cattle trucks going down there — it is ridiculous."
Residents at the meeting suggested Gray St be blocked off to reduce traffic. Bruce Cunningham, who has lived in Frankton for 10 years, said traffic had increased dramatically in the last two years. As a rule he did not drive during peak times due to increased travel times.
"You have to allow for traffic buildup."
Mr Cunningham described existing plans as a "Band-Aid fix" and did not believe a real solution would be found until about 10 years down the track. Questions in relation to Queenstown Lakes District Council matters were pitched to Cr Alexa Forbes, who was sitting at the back of the room. Mr Barclay said he would consult the council on the wording of the petition to ensure they were in agreement.
Once confirmed, he aims to submit the petition to the NZTA this week.
"I haven’t seen any new signs, nor any other activities to curb parking along that particular stretch of road, which is why I am launching a petition to expedite consultation on the banning of parked cars and to introduce double lanes along State Highway 6 between Queenstown Airport and the BP roundabout."
The NZTA confirmed the petition would be discussed at the next meeting of the governance group later this month.
