Following Boulevard Lights 2023, Council asked residents for their feedback on the Traffic Management Plan (TMP) and Council communications. While views varied, residents were generally satisfied with the current approach.

See the 'Engagement 2024' tab below for more details.

Given the feedback received and that there were no safety incidents, Council’s support for The Boulevard Christmas Lights will remain focused on balancing traffic management, resident access and the safety of those who visit the Lights. Some minor changes will be made to the Traffic Management Plan to manage congestion.

Our approach in 2024

Similar to 2023, we will aim to balance traffic management, congestion, resident access and visitor safety. Council's role will include:

• implementing the same Traffic Management Plan as 2023, with minor changes to improve pedestrian and motorist safety. Go to the 'Traffic Management' tab for more details
• clarifying that decorations can start from early December 2024, with residents choosing a date that works best for them
• installing traffic management infrastructure on 13 December and traffic controllers from 18 December
• explaining the preference for two-way traffic. Go to the 'Traffic Management' tab for details
• adding more toilets
• providing rubbish bins and collection
• reminding residents to turn off decorations by 11pm to minimise disturbance
• improving information for visitors attending the Boulevard Lights.

To manage congestion, encourage traffic flow and maintain property access for residents, the Traffic Management Plan (TMP) places very few restrictions on vehicle access on and around The Boulevard.

The TMP also provides a buffer between the road and footpaths in high visitation areas and includes supervised crossing points to improve pedestrian safety.

Safety measures include:

• two-way traffic along the entire Boulevard to ensure greater car flow to help manage congestion when accessing and driving along the Boulevard and improve resident access to properties
• pedestrians restricted to footpaths and encouraged to walk in a one-way direction, with designated crossing points
• more traffic controllers compared to 2023
• access to The Boulevard from all side streets and from Bourke Road to help manage congestion and improve resident access
• bollards, signage, safety tape and water-filled barriers in place along sections of The Boulevard from Friday 13 December to support early pedestrian visits
• traffic controllers present along The Boulevard from Wednesday 18 December to Tuesday 24 December (7.30pm – 11:00pm) during anticipated peak period
• reducing the speed limit along The Boulevard to 20km/h during the peak period from 18 to 24 December
• increasing parking along The Boulevard to assist visitors as well as support pedestrian safety by slowing traffic flow
• temporary parking restrictions in some sections of local streets to improve traffic flow and access to properties.

View map for more details.

From February to April 2024, Council asked residents to tell us what they thought about the 2023 Traffic Management Plan and Council communications, with the aim of strengthening how Council supports the Boulevard Lights.

Out of the 1,016 residents invited to participate, 126 (12%) completed the survey.

As a result of your feedback:

• we made further improvements to the existing Traffic Management Plan to improve pedestrian and motorist safety and minimise disruption to residents' access
• will provided additional parking along The Boulevard
• will send the Traffic Management Plan 2024 to over 1000 households in the immediate and surrounding area in early December
• will add more toilets and activities in the food area at Ivanhoe Park
• will update the 'plan your trip' page, including a map and information on when and how to visit the Lights.

Take a look at a summary of key findings below or view the full findings report.

During September and October 2023, we asked the community to help us plan for the Boulevard Lights 2023. 78 people completed the online or hardcopy survey and 11 people attended in-person drop-in sessions at Ivanhoe Park.

As a result of your feedback, we:

• updated the Traffic Management Plan to ensure busy areas are safe for pedestrians
• Sent the Traffic Management Plan to over 1000 households in the immediate and surrounding area in early December
• Created a 'plan your trip' page for visitors to our website including a map and information on when and how to visit The Boulevard Christmas Lights.
• will check in with our residents with a post-event survey to gather additional feedback.

What we heard

In 2022, after disruptions caused by COVID, 225 residents of The Boulevard and surrounding streets provided feedback through an online and hard copy survey, to help shape how future Boulevard Lights celebrations are best planned and managed.

Take a look at a summary of key findings below, or view the full findings report.

The Boulevard Lights

The Boulevard Lights in Ivanhoe attracts people from across Melbourne and is considered to be an essential Christmas tradition. Each year, thousands of people drive and walk along the Boulevard each evening in the lead up to Christmas, with up to 10,000 visitors a night.

The tradition started over 60 years ago, with residents of The Boulevard and surrounding streets decorating their houses, windows and gardens with light displays, nativity scenes and Christmas decorations.

Banyule Council has supported this resident-led event over many years, providing traffic management to improve traffic flow and access for residents, and look after pedestrian safety.

Due to its popularity and the street's limitations, The Boulevard often experiences overcrowding with more pedestrians and cars than it can handle. Council works diligently to manage these safety concerns.

Residents and visitors should be aware that congestion, crowds and slow traffic movement is a part of the experience, which help to keep everyone safe.