NZTA criticised after fatal collision kills Bay man

The intersection of Meeanee Quay and SH2 at Westshore, Napier, scene of a number of accidents over the years, including yesterday when Tauranga man Murray Reid died crossing the road with his bike. Photo / Paul Taylor

A Mount Maunganui man is dead after he was struck by a truck while crossing a dangerous intersection in Hawke's Bay.

Murray Anthony Reid, 75, and his wife, Glenys, who had been visiting the area, were believed to have been walking their bikes across the highway when a truck struck him at the intersection of SH2b and Meeanee Quay about about 5pm.

Mrs Reid yesterday issued a statement saying cycling was a recreation they both enjoyed "in an area we loved to return to as often as we could".

The family was devastated by the tragic event and had asked for privacy while they work through their grief, the statement said.

Mr Reid was taken to Hawke's Bay Hospital but died a short while later. Napier City Councillor Mark Herbert, who also sits on the Transport Committee felt New Zealand Transport Authority (NZTA) had been "derelict in their duty" to keep people safe on the region's roads.

"The locals are very aware of it ... it is an accident waiting to happen," he said.

"We meet every six to eight weeks and I question NZTA 'what are you going to do about it?' and 'When are you going to do it?' - they paid lip service to those concerns."

The intersection, situated near Hawke's Bay Airport outside Napier, rates among the top five for serious and fatal crashes in New Zealand.

Three people were seriously hurt in August when the car they were travelling in collided with a truck at the site. It is an area local government had been constantly reminded of and had pushed for change - watching closely as other areas were addressed ahead of it.

"It's frustrating because they could have done something about this years ago," Mr Herbert said.

"It's a shocker and the airport entrance is all part of it ... this should never have happened."

The Transport Agency already had plans in the pipeline to install a roundabout at the notoriously dangerous intersection late next year but hope to, "bring the project forward," in light of the death.

They hoped a roundabout would slow traffic and significantly reduce the number of possible conflict points.

"We are very saddened by this tragedy, and we will be working closely with authorities as the circumstances of this crash are investigated," NZTA regional highways manager Chuck Dowdell said. Napier Labour MP Stuart Nash was among local leaders who wanted action - and fast.

Mr Nash backed NZTA's decision to speed up progress at the intersection, saying he had personally witnessed indecision from fellow drivers in the area.

"If anything good is to come out of this, it's that there is going to be a change to the infrastructure," he said.

"The sooner they sort it out the better".

Napier Mayor Bill Dalton sent his condolences to the family, adding that entire section of road up to the airport should be looked at.

Complaints came in to Napier City Council about the site on a regular basis but they had no jurisdiction over the highway, meaning their hands were tied.

"It's sad somebody else had to die, maybe that will bring it to a head," he said.

Witnesses said the cyclists had tried to negotiate their way across the highway to get to the other side, where it's possible they hoped to gain access to a cycle track.

"Tragically, this appears to be an error in judgement that has resulted in the worst possible outcome for all concerned," Senior Sergeant Greg Brown said.

He felt the speed limit should be reduced from 80km/h to 50km/h in the area until the situation had been resolved - allowing motorists more time to react, before a roundabout could be installed.

Police investigations are continuing.

What do you think?
Have your say below or email editor@bayofplentytimes.co.nz, go to our facebook page, text 021 241 4568 BOP (message) or write to Private Bag 12002.
Response may be published.