Show extra caution at pedestrian crossings

YOUR correspondent from Living Streets Aotearoa is wrong (ODT,

11.7.18).

Space in these columns does not permit a forensiclevel examination of the legislation regarding giving way at pedestrian crossings. However, both the Road Code and the legislation quoted by your correspondent — Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004 (Part Ten) — are readily available online and I invite readers to make up their own minds.

I stand by my previous assertion that a driver must give way to anyone on a pedestrian crossing, but that once the pedestrian has passed in front of the driver and is moving away from them, the driver has fulfilled their obligation to give way and may proceed.

There is nothing in legislation that requires the driver to remain stationary until the pedestrian is on the footpath.

At www.drivingtests.co.nz, under the heading ‘‘Pedestrian crossings with no central reservation,’’ it states: ‘‘Once there are no pedestrians approaching your path you can drive on.’’ That is, you don’t need to wait for the pedestrian to finish crossing.

No matter how well meaning they may be, it is dangerous for an organisation such as Living Streets Aotearoa to be making up its own road rules or selectively interpreting the existing rules to suit its agenda. That way lies confusion.

And where there is confusion over the road rules there is a high likelihood of injury and death.

In the interests of road safety, it is time for an independent (i.e. not AA, NZTA or police) comment on the rule. A lawyer who specialises in traffic law would be ideal.

Tom Moore

Waverley [NZ Transport Agency system manager Graeme Hall replies:

‘‘As well as the rules, people need to exercise extra caution. When coming up to pedestrian crossings, drivers should slow down and be ready to stop for any pedestrians (on either side of the road) stepping on to, or already on, the crossing, including people obviously waiting to use the crossing; if there is no raised traffic island in the middle, stop and give way to pedestrians on any part of the crossing; if there is a raised traffic island in the middle, stop and give way to pedestrians on your half of the road; wait until the pedestrian has crossed in front of you and is clear of your vehicle before you proceed.

‘‘The www.drivingtests.co.nz website quoted by your correspondent is not the legislation. This is the correct place for people to get advice: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/ resources/roadcode/aboutotherroadusers/sharingroadwithpedestrians/

‘‘It is also important to remind drivers that we all need to exercise caution around pedestrians, particularly children, who can be unpredictable. It is important drivers check for people who might decide to turn back partway into crossing on a pedestrian crossing. People all make mistakes and that is what we need to be ready for.’’]

What Oamaru needs

WHY, when the Waitaki District Council is struggling to get accommodation providers to commit to land, bricks and mortar, are we contemplating a hotel that could be towed away at the whim of its owner?

A historic vessel — as used in Stockholm — for accommodation would be more suitable.

What our harbour does need is a 50berth marina. There are only 38 boatswing moorings allowed by resource consent, with 12 people waiting for one.

Lastly, Sumpter Wharf — what a stench! The birds only moved in from the outer seawall when the wharf was closed.

Surely, it can be reworked to support smaller, say 100 tonne craft, and under for international visitors plus small coastal tourist vessels? Ian Bradshaw

Oamaru