Planning begins for town’s traffic lights
It’s been a few weeks to remember for those living in Morrinsville.
First the town’s leaders unveiled its giant Mega Cow and then its district council decided to push the go button on MatamataPiako’s first set of traffic lights.
The council met this week and moved to fast track the new traffic lights in Morrinsville following pressure from GreyPower.
New traffic lights could also be installed in the district’s other towns, Matamata and Te Aroha, if warranted.
Neighbours Waipa District Council introduced its first set of traffic lights for Cambridge in 2016.
GreyPower President Mike Gribble said the shopping centre on Thames St in Morrinsville had proved so popular it’s now difficult for people to cross the road there.
There’s not enough parking and too much through traffic.
‘‘One day I watched a resident step out into traffic and stop it because a woman using a walker was troubled with crossing the road safely,’’ said Gribble.
He spoke out about the situation in a submission to the Matamata-Piako District Council’s long-term plan.
He pointed to issues relating to the Thames and Studholme St corner where the intersection is controlled by a roundabout. He suggested it was unsafe.
GreyPower asked for a properly controlled crossing for Thames St and favoured a site about 25 metres further north of the corner outside the Noel Leeming shop.
Gribble also raised similar concerns on behalf of GreyPower regarding crossings for Matamata and Te Aroha.
Council voted to install the district’s first traffic lights on a redesigned crossing.
The lights will be pedestrian controlled to stop traffic and allow residents to cross safely.
Matamata-Piako Mayor Jan Barnes said council looked at a number of options and installing a set of lights looked to be the best result.
‘‘The people came and spoke to us about their concerns and we have responded,’’ said Barnes.
A feasibility of similar crossings being established in Matamata and Te Aroha is to be carried out.
‘‘This is an acknowledgement of the concerns of the elderly within the town,’’ said Gribble.