Rule on turning right at lights clarified

PROMPTED by the irony of the timbre of Irene Russell’s invective letter (ODT, 10.12.18) about, among other things, impolite drivers, I’d like to get clarification on a rule I have always liked but now doubt exists.

When waiting for a break in traffic, to turn right on a green light, the road code used to advise drivers to go out into the intersection.

Could a boffin be found to confirm the existence of this rule? I can’t see any mention of this in the online road code. In busy traffic, it really improves traffic flow and few people seem to be doing it these days. Peter Small

Dunedin [NZ Transport Agency regional relationships director Jim Harland replies: ‘‘The road rules and driver guidance can be found online in a number of places.

‘‘Mr Small is correct. The first driver turning right should enter the intersection while the light is green and provided the exit is not blocked, wait until there is a gap to safely turn right. Drivers waiting in the intersection can complete their turn and exit an intersection on the yellow or red lights, but they are not permitted to enter the intersection on a yellow or red light.

‘‘Only one car is allowed to enter the intersection at a time and wait for the gap to turn right. These rules are covered in Clauses 4.5(2) and 3.2(1)(b), 3.2(4)(a) and 3.2(5)(a) of the Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004. At all times, the NZ Transport Agency encourages people to be courteous and cautious at intersections and all parts of the road network.’’]

Bullying

SIMON Bridges’ comment that he backed Maggie Barry, the ‘‘hardworking’’ MP, and believes her denials of bullying (ODT, 4.12.18), illustrates just how difficult it is for victims of workplace bullying and harassment to be taken seriously. I note that noone in authority in the National Party backed the hardworking victims and believes their claims of bullying.

Catherine Robinson

Waikouaiti