Third crossing joins dance

THE Barnes Dance revolution is gathering pace in Dunedin.

A thitd city intersection was yesterday switched from a conventional pedestrian crossing to the Barnes Dance system, which allows pedestrians to cross in all directions at once, including diagonal.

The change at the intersection of George St and Moray Pl came after two other intersections — Princes St/Octagon and George St/Octagon — were switched over last month.

Council transport group manager Richard Saunders said the crossings were being ‘‘well used’’ and the council was happy with the way they were working.

Council staff had seen no noticeable effect on traffic con gestion in the central city; nor had they received any complaints, he said.

‘‘We’ve had a lot of really positive feedback over the ones in the Octagon. They seem to be operating well, so we were comfortable to start with the first of the George St block.

‘‘The rest will follow in the coming couple of months. That will just be dependent on timing with the weather and things, just when the contractors can get in to do the changeover,’’ he said.

Some pedestrians would need time to get used to crossing diagonally, but new road markings could help, he suggested.

‘‘It’s been a positive change from our point of view and we’re looking forward to rolling it out on the rest of these intersections.’’