Fjord access danger point
Residents from one of Porirua’s newest subdivisions aired their frustrations last week over the limited access to their street.
The Fjord is off Whitford Brown Ave and part of the Aotea development. It is a 19-home cul-de-sac. Fifty will eventually be built.
In the wake of pedestrian Ron Chippindale’s death in 2008, after a motorist lost control on the stretch of road, Whitford Brown Ave was reduced from 70kmh to 50kmh a year later.
Three lanes became two and a centre strip and bollards at the lower end were installed.
The Fjord was developed soon after and motorists wanting to enter the new subdivision can only do so coming down the hill.
Resident Grant Baker presented a submission to Porirua City Council’s long term plan last week, signed by all 19 homeowners in the street, asking that changes be considered in the transportation strategy.
They want either a right-hand turn into Fjord Pl going up the hill or a roundabout at the street’s entrance.
‘‘On the original (Aotea Block developer) Carrus plans there were two entries to The Fjord and now there’s one and it’s totally unsatisfactory,’’ said Mr Baker.
‘‘Right now, you have to go to the top of Whitford Brown, go around a roundabout and come back, or do a risky u-turn at the end of the bollards.
‘‘There used to be three lanes on that road, there is room to put in a right-hand turn.’’
Mr Baker told councillors he is aware emergency vehicles called to The Fjord are driven up the wrong side of the road to get into the subdivision faster.
‘‘They don’t go to the top, turn around and come back. Recently there was a close call with a resident coming out, nearly hitting a police car coming up ( on an emergency call) and the fire brigade will go up the right too.
‘‘The possibility of an accident one day is definitely there, it’s a health and safety issue.’’
Mr Baker says residents don’t want a right- hand turn when exiting The Fjord, just entering.
He told Kapi-mana News after the LTP hearings that he understands a Porirua- wide review of intersections is being undertaken soon and he would like their access included, so the issue can be redressed ‘‘ sooner rather than later’’.