‘Courtesy crossings’

When did the Hamilton City Council decide to use the pink paving as places for pedestrians to cross streets instead of the long-established zebra crossings? These new crossings are confusing – both drivers and pedestrians are uncertain as to who has the right of way. Neither, I am advised. They are called ‘‘courtesy crossings’’. The users decide. This results in doubt and unpredictable behaviour. A recipe for accidents. Can the HCC advise when they decided to stop installing zebra crossings and were the public consulted? These pink walkovers are ersatz or Clayton’s (remember that word?) crossings. A crossing when you’re not having a crossing. The council has said it wants to make the CBD more pedestrian friendly. This is not the way to do it. Russell O Armitage, Hamilton