Some, however, pointed out other intersections that were also dangerous, and suggested they also needed attention.
Mr Watkins said this particular intersection had been under the council radar for some time for its bad crash record, and number of near misses, and proximity to the inner city.
"It's almost like part of a ring road around the CBD, it's a commercial area and it's very busy.
"This is about safety, with the added benefit of smoother traffic flow."
He said installing major infrastructure such as roundabouts was not something that happened overnight, and the council was keen to have public input into the proposal.
"All comment on the proposal will be considered, we want feedback from people as to whether they think it would work or not, and all comment will be considered before the final decision is made."
Consultation opened yesterday, and submissions close at noon on February 14.
They should be marked "Roundabout consultation" and can be emailed to kathryno@hdc.govt.nz; lodged on line via www.myvoicemychoice.co.nz, posted to Private Bag 9002, Hastings 4156, or delivered to Hastings District Council,207 Lyndon Rd East, Hastings, 4122.
Road rebuilds
Meanwhile, plans to rebuild sections of Middle Rd, Havelock North and Waimarama Rd,due to age and wear and tear, had made progress.
Work began last week to reconstruct 600m of Middle Rd, and was expected to take about six weeks to complete.
On Waimarama Rd, just south of Craggy Range vineyard, works on a 600m stretch of the road were scheduled to start in February, and also expected to take about six weeks.
Both projects would involve minor stormwater work and in Middle Rd a guardrail would be installed.
Mr Watkins said it was important that works such as these were addressed in a timely manner.
"If we tackle them in a co-ordinated approach as their age and state require, then we get the most out of the investment we have put into the roads and ensure they do not get to a stage where they are too worn to be safe."
Businesses and landowners in both areas had been contacted and advised of the works.