Speeding drivers frighten residents
Hoons doing burnouts provide the soundtrack to Friday nights and weekend afternoons in at least one Hamilton street.
The noise, smoke and occasional abuse are getting to many who live in Frankton’s Pukeko Street and they’d like it to stop.
Residents want a roundabout. They once tried signing a petition, but when nothing happened, followed up with Hamilton City Council’s West Ward councillors and the police.
Council has noted residents want a roundabout at the intersection of Pukeko and Kaka streets, reportedly a popular burnout spot.
Pukeko Street has a mix of railway cottages and industrial sites, and runs between Rifle Range Road and State Highway 1, becoming Edgar Street about halfway along.
One afternoon in early 2016, a burnout drew Jo Cowley into the street with her phone to record some proof.
‘‘They stopped right in front of the house [and said] ‘We’ll come in there and deal to you guys,’ ‘‘ her husband, Owen, said.
The Cowleys have lived on Pukeko Street for about 12 years, and Jo’s been in touch with council on and off over the past two about the problem.
Friday and Saturday are the worst nights for burnouts, the Cowleys said, but they’re worried about driving – and kids – in the street for at least four out of seven days.
They know council faces constraints – speed bumps in nearby streets created vibration problems and there are several industrial sites in Pukeko Street.
Another resident, who declined to give her name, has seen her share of burnouts by her house.
She now makes sure vehicles at her property are parked off the street, in case a driver loses control.
Further along the stretch of road, a resident fears kids heading to Railway Park will meet a speeding driver.
Council staff will work with residents and seek solutions, network operations team leader Robyn Denton said at a council committee meeting in March.
‘‘Speed humps are desirable, but we do have all sorts of issues in the area, particularly with peat and the vibrations they’re creating.’’
Access to properties such as the Waste Management depot is also a factor, she said.
Police work closely with councils on such issues, acting Waikato District Road Policing manager Inspector Marcus Lynam said.
The best solutions combine enforcement and engineering or speed-related options, he said.
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