Busy intersection cause of concern
It is only a matter of time before a pedestrian is killed at a confusing intersection in west Auckland, a resident says.
Local resident Bryan Dove said a multi-laned roundabout on Blockhouse Bay Rd had confused drivers for years.
But recently the risk to pedestrians had increased as more traffic flowed through the intersection, he said.
‘‘My worst fear is kids being killed.’’
Auckland Transport (AT) confirmed they were looking at improving the roundabout’s safety, including the option of a raised pedestrian crossings.
The roundabout had five entry points – two from Blockhouse Bay Rd and one each from Kinross St, Heaphy St, Donovan St.
All streets had a pedestrian crossing located just metres from the roundabout.
Drivers were so bewildered by the time they exited the multi-laned roundabout they ignored the pedestrian crossings, Dove said.
Two years ago, Dove said his own children – then aged 5 and 7 – were hit by a ‘‘confused’’ driver.
He said the children suffered minor injuries.
He had also witnessed several near misses.
Dove said the best solution was to raise the pedestrian crossings to
‘‘My worst fear is kids being killed’’
force drivers to stop.
The ‘egg’ shape of the roundabout also posed visibility issues, he said.
Drivers turning right often found themselves veering into the wrong lane halfway through the roundabout, he said.
Some residents had suggested closing close off one of the roads to reduce traffic volumes, he said.
Dove said he contacted AT and was told the agency’s budget for the current financial year had already been allocated.
But he was assured the AT would look into improving safety at the roundabout.
AT spokesman Mark Hannan said the cost of installing a raised crossing was about $50,000 and AT was investigating the feasibility.
‘‘Raised pedestrian crossings are being looked at.
‘‘Each crossing will need to be assessed on a number of factors such as existing vehicle crossings and the ability of buses to drive over them easily.’’
AT records showed there had been no crashes involving pedestrians at the roundabout the year up to July.
There were two crashes but no reports of injuries in the same period.
AT had no plans to close off any roads connected to the intersection.