No barrier NZTA Serious problems in NZ VIEWS

NZTA has a Road to Zero strategy– a goal of

0 per cent deaths or injuries on roads. Hence the proposal for a median barrier near us soon. I don’t like the idea at all. Rural residents will need to travel much further to turn into their side roads and driveways. Anyone living near new roundabouts will have increased noise and exhaust pollution as traffic speed slows and increases. Is the plan going to include median barriers on our narrow bridges, allow for road work, provide access for First Responders? And no way to do a U turn once stuck in a traffic jam. Lucky Lockington (road) won’t get a bridge/turn upgrade, as it won’t be required now (effective cost savings here!). As the 0 per cent strategy in Sweden proved, the goal is unrealistic and unachievable.

Let’s see how the reduced speed limit and road improvements work first.

GINO DE GRAAF

Katikati

After reading the letter from Maria Sherwood in your issue (Advertiser May 6), I’m somewhat concerned that she states that there is no place for racism in 2021 New Zealand, yet denies we have apartheid in this country. What rubbish.

In my view we have serious problems with divisive politics and anyone that refuses to acknowledge this must be blind to the fact.

Furthermore, I think democracy in New Zealand barely exists these days and I should also like to point out to Ms Sherwood that Maori are not the indigenous people of New Zealand as she states.

Time to do your homework Maria before you next promote your sad views.

R CUNNINGHAM

Katikati