Retailers cringe at footpath follies

WELLINGTON retailers on the new inner-city bus route say pedestrians need to pay more attention when crossing the road.

Conservation Department Wellington visitor centre ranger Robert Hawke, 63, said pedestrians did not take notice of the buses. ‘‘It’s such a narrow gap. If it was a wider road, people might think twice. They think, ‘It’s my road. You’ve got to stop for me.’ We look on and just cringe.’’

Stephane Rorlier, 25, of Crepes a Go-Go, said people crossed the road very carelessly. ‘‘Often the drivers don’t see them, and have to sound the horn or stop very quickly.’’

Putting up barriers could be a good idea, she said. ‘‘When you want to cross the road to go into a shop on the other side ... you’re not going to walk 50 metres to the pedestrian crossing.’’

Chris Wilkinson, 46, First Retail managing director, said retailers faced enough challenges without more barriers on the street. ‘‘We need to look at the frequency of buses. Often they go past with just three people on board. And drivers need to be more aware of their speed; some aren’t keeping to 30kmh.’’

Burger Fresh owner Suresh Bakshi, 59, said the accidents were not the fault of bus drivers. ‘‘It’s the responsibility of the people to be careful. The council has told people to look left and right, on both sides of the road.’’

Zariah Toimata, 19, of Ziera Shoes, said she saw accidents and near-misses all the time. ‘‘Drivers should keep to the speed limit as well. I always used to check left and right before crossing the road but, since the accident on Thursday, I now wait for the light.’’

Sean Plunket C5

‘If it was a wider road, people might think twice. ROBERT HAWKE