Light changes reduce boy racer car noise

MARSHALL’S HEALTH & NATURAL THERAPY

A traffic light trial trying to stop boy racers from making excessive noise on a busy central Christchurch road has already been hailed an early success.

The Christchurch City Council phased the traffic lights on Bealey Ave last weekend so traffic had a clear run down the length of the street.

The move aimed to reduce noise from burn-outs and vehicles stopping, accelerating and revving at red lights.

The trial, which was requested by police, ran between 10pm and 5am on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

Christchurch Central MP Duncan Webb said the trial was an early success.

‘‘By all reports it was something of a success and the problems were fewer.

‘‘Fears that the constantly green lights would lead to racing have so far proved unfounded, but police will bring in a speed van if required.’’

Webb said the traffic light changes and heightened police presence in the area was likely to have a positive effect on the community.

‘‘We’re going to continue to monitor this issue.

‘‘If you’re on another street and experiencing problems, please let us know so we can pass on feedback to police and council.’’

A Bealey Ave motelier, who did not want to be named, said it was too early to say whether the traffic light trial was working, but they did not receive any complaints from people staying in rooms next to the street last weekend.

‘‘It seemed better, but we’re a bit immune to the noise so it’s a lot harder to gauge.’’

The motelier suggested if police wanted to control the noise, they should have a permanent checkpoint on the street every Friday and Saturday night.

‘‘If they ... were pulling people up that would get rid of it.’’

Canterbury police metro area commander Superintendent Lane Todd said only one city driver was ticketed for loss of traction over the weekend.

‘‘It’s still early days but we’re more than happy with the driving in that area over the weekend.’’

Police would consider having permanent police checkpoints on the road if the traffic light trial did not work, he said.

City councillor Deon Swiggs said feedback he had received also suggested the trial had been successful, but he wanted it to continue for a few more weeks before he could be sure it was really working.

The council would be in regular contact with moteliers, nearby residents and police to grasp their opinions over the coming weeks, he said.

The council would review the trial in late January and consider other options if the problem had not been improved.