NZTA - WAKA KOTAHI: “THIS WOULD IMPACT ON FREIGHT THROUGH LEVIN”

In light of a recent fatality on one of Horowhenua’s busiest inter-sections, when one of our Grey Power Members, Jenny O’Neill, was tragically killed at the corner of Queen and Oxford Streets, it should be noted that Grey Power had previously submitted a proposal to NZTA (Waka Kotahi) that they install a “Barnes Dance” system of Traffic & Pedestrian Signals at that intersection. The response from the NZTA signals team, while not dismissing the suggestion outright, was that they would not be comfortable with the addition of a Barnes Dance crossing being installed at the Queens St / SH1(Oxford St) intersection. “The level of service would not be acceptable, and the overnight operation of the pedestrian crossing would cause all traffic to be stopped even if there is only 1 person crossing the road. This would also impact freight through Levin something we tried to reduce through signal optimisation”.

They needed to be cautious about installing a Barnes Dance crossing at the Queen St intersection and believe it will set an expectation to also do the same for the Bath St / Oxford St intersection. [Something the Grey Power had also requested.] We (NZTA) have already catered to a request from this group to improve services for peds across SH1 and this resulted in a fully protected crossing. [Grey Power is not sure where this “fully protected” crossing is or how it is considered to be fully protected?]

“Unfortunately, the improvement to pedestrian service has caused impacts for Bath St west bound left turning traffic onto SH1 and through traffic.” (NZTA)

“Further to the above, between the 2 intersections, disruption to traffic flows are additionally impacted due to vehicles pulling in and out of angle carparks and pedestrians jay walking.” (NZTA)

Horowhenua Grey Power has previously made submissions to both the Horowhenua District Council and the NZTA about the prospects of having Barnes Dance crossings at both the Queen Steet and Bath Street intersections in an effort to reduce significant harm to the seniors of our community who move at a slower pace across crossings when using walkers or walking sticks. It is clear from the correspondence we have received from NZTA that they are more interested in traffic movements than in pedestrians. The quote, “this would impact on freight through Levin” is a clear indication to us that NZTA are far more interested in vehicle movements than they are in the safety of people, be they old or young. Shame on them!

Terry Hemmingsen - Editor