Transporting New Zealand is calling for a bypass of Stratford’s town centre in order to keep the costs of goods down, Stuff reports.

In its submission on the Stratford District Council’s Connecting Our Communities Strategy 2021-2051, the association said moving heavy vehicle traffic from the town centre would have substantial environmental, safety and accessibility benefits.

The council is proposing traffic-calming measures for the town that would see a 30kph speed limit. Walking and cycling is also being encouraged in an effort to make the town’s transport network safer, more convenient and attractive.

Transporting New Zealand chief executive Nick Leggett said these proposals would slow down trucks, which would result in increased costs of goods and higher emissions.

He said if the Government wants to drive the focus on walking and cycling, and getting people out of vehicles, the best thing to do for heavy freight would be to have a bypass.

Leggett said they recognise that trucks, which carry 93% of freight in New Zealand, are intimidating to other people on the road including walkers and cyclists.

“You take trucks away from the general traffic of a town, you’re more likely to encourage other transport uses and, parents will feel better about letting their kids downtown to do things, and bike to school.”