Vision Kerikeri has for many years been promoting the benefits of a a main street that is prioritised for the pedestrian rather than the car.

I walk through the CBD several times a week and often take time out to enjoy a coffee street side. The major detraction from both experiences is the traffic volume which generates considerable noise and vehicle fumes. The danger of crossing the street is somewhat mitigated by the traffic volume that usually reduces vehicle speeds to a state less threatening to those at the bottom of the 'traffic food chain'.

I recently spotted this article on The Guardian website related to an experiment that has been run in Barcelona, where traffic in blocks of streets was reduced to nearly zero. It has been so successful that they are now looking to fully implement it and the idea is now being picked up by other cities around the World.

This particular comment by the author of the study grabbed my attention: