An additional $10.1 million funding for the Innovating Streets for People pilot has been announced to make towns and cities more people friendly.

The investment in addition to $13.95 million announced in June by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.

Through two rounds of funding, NZTA is supporting councils to create vibrant neighbourhoods that make streets safer and create more space for people.

NZTA portfolio manager developing regions Kathryn King says NZTA is funding 32 more projects from councils across the country that will help to create streets that everyone can enjoy by moving around in safe, healthy and sustainable ways.

'We're really pleased with the interest councils across the country have shown in the fund and in delivering projects that put people first.

'Projects will include safe streets around schools so children can get some exercise and out into nature on their way to school, ‘low traffic neighbourhoods' where people can access local streets that are made much quieter by reducing rat-running by others, and town centre revitalisations to make business districts more vibrant.”

Innovating Streets is a nationwide programme designed to support councils and communities to build experience and knowledge in co-design processes to deliver urban street upgrades faster and with more community insight built in.

The Tauranga City Council is currently asking for public feedback on what they want to see for four areas of road in Mount Maunganui.

The project will trial temporary changes to four areas of road in Mount Maunganui north, the areas are The Mall, Marine Parade between Adams Avenue and Banks Avenue, Marine Parade between Banks Avenue and Tay Street and Banks Avenue and Salisbury Avenue.

The areas council is proposing to be part of the Innovating Streets trial. Supplied image.

Project manager Guy Protheroe says the innovating streets project will look at safety but also amenity for those areas.

'What we want to do is create an environment that is comfortable for everyone and is as usable as possible for everyone within that particular area.”

NZTA is currently working through funding agreements with councils for round 2 projects.

The pilot fund is just one part of the Innovating Streets programme, with changes being made to technical guidance to make it easier for all councils to deliver these ‘tactical urbanism' projects.

Recently the Land Transport: Traffic Control Devices Rule 2004 was amended to allow roadway art to be used by councils on low-risk streets, similar to many projects seen overseas.

The NZTA will fund 90 per cent of each project with councils making up the other 10 per cent.