New Otaika crossing is streets behind

Dave Murray believes changes to the Otaika pedestrian crossing have created new safety issues. Photo / File

Re the Otaika pedestrian crossing: traffic engineering aims to optimise the efficiency of the roading network while maintaining a safe environment for all road users. Unlike, say structural engineering, where you can build a bridge and it may take years for an earthquake to test it, any shortcomings in a new traffic management measure are often immediately apparent.

Some new traffic systems need a managed "settling in period", but for others swift action is required to negate unforeseen deficiencies.

I firmly believe the safety issues, created by the fencing recently erected along the kerb line opposite the Otaika shopping centre, require urgent remedial action. The New Zealand Transport Agency appears to be doing nothing.

The fence does ensure pedestrians cross at the crossing, so it has addressed the original jay-walking issue. But in turn, it has removed the "intervisibility" between pedestrians and drivers. ie they can't see each other! Small children are particularly vulnerable because they must lean out past the fence to check.

The total crossing facility lacks visual impact. Red seal was laid, but this has since been partially obliterated with no apparent effort to replace it.

If the fencing is to stay, the following measures should be implemented:

• Construct a "kerb projection" out from the western kerbline so pedestrians can see and be seen in front of the new fenceline.

• Erect a low guardrail on the northbound approach to the proposed kerb projection.

• Reposition the central island eastwards to maintain adequate lane width for northbound traffic and cyclists.

• Cut back the eastern kerb projection and realign the guardrail.

• Resurface the crossing with red seal.

• Replace the "skinny" black and white poles with more visible, larger diameter poles - as installed at the SH1/Manu Rd intersection.

• Use mountable kerbing on edge for all new kerbing (as at the Kamo Rd rail crossing) to enhance its visibility.

• Change the southbound exit from the shops from a slip lane, which requires drivers to "screw their head around" before exiting, to a standard crossing.

• Replace the "No U Turn" sign with a "No Right Turn" Sign.

• Repaint the crossing and all roadmarkings to the new alignment.

No amount of improvements will guarantee the crossing is 100 per cent safe. As humans, we make impulsive decisions, day dream and pay less attention to road safety when travelling the same route every day.

Pedestrian traffic lights have been touted as the answer. But to be effective there needs to be a reasonably constant pedestrian demand to ensure drivers' awareness is always on 'alert'. Also, young pedestrians often wrongly assume the "Red" traffic light, followed by the "Cross" signal means all traffic will stop. Sadly, that is not always the case.

Please NZTA, take action to address the foregoing issues. We don't want excuses about finances and budgets. Just get on with it.

How much is a child's life worth

Dave Murray
• Started work as a roading and drainage engineer.
• Rose to position of traffic engineer - operations & design - Auckland City.
• Pioneered the use of clearways and mini roundabouts in New Zealand.
• Worked 24/7 in the traffic light industry for 16 years.
• Traffic management consultant to government departments and local bodies.
• Now retired, jointly landscaping a lifestyle block in Kauri with his wife Shirley.