Intersection safer than thought
OPINION: For many years the Moturoa shopping centre has been on the to-do list for traffic safety improvements.
In the last six months there has been a minor flurry of activity by NZTA.
Having lived in the area for six years I had some knowledge of the issues but when I was elected to council I took more of an interest. I have recently spent 26 hours spread over two months perched on an elevated section looking over the Moturoa shopping centre pedestrian crossing and immediate area. It was an eye-opener watching the goings on using a helicopter view. I watched in onehour high-volume blocks 8.30am, midday and 3pm. This was done entirely as an individual and does not represent the view of the council in any way.
I confess I did have some preconceived ideas. For example that trucks were travelling too fast, not enough people were using the pedestrian crossing and that traffic lights would sort out a lot of problems. I made notes but gave up in the end; so much happened it was impossible to record it all.
My time was well spent. I saw hundreds of trucks go through the area and not once did I see anything to concern me. About 85% of people were using the pedestrian crossing, more than I would have guessed. I haven’t completely abandoned the concept of traffic lights but I am not so sure that it will sort out as much as I first thought.
I was shocked at the traffic behaviour at the intersections of Breakwater Rd, Lawry St and South Rd. Confusion between who should stop and give way when it is clearly sign-posted. But it is poorly designed. People’s view are obstructed, u turns, cutting people off, vehicles on the stop sign not giving way and on it went.
Also of concern are intermediate age children crossing Lawry St and South Rd. The girls seem to apply caution but the boys are clueless.
The design(s) are imminent and this will make it all seem a bit more real. The final option won’t please everyone. I am concerned about the limited scale of consultation NZTA is planning to undertake. People who live in the immediate area are going to be excluded.
The New Plymouth District Council has a vested interested in the outcome of this project. We want to be a constructive partner with the NZTA. Let’s wait and see.