Ask Phoebe: Exit signs aimed at big trucks

Exit signs before the toll road are for the benefit of heavy vehicles.

Q: Driving to Orewa I've been confused by signage for the toll road. Signs ahead of the tunnel state "Free route, exit 398" which relates to the first of the Orewa exits whereas in reality the next exit 394 also provides a free route to Orewa before one has to travel through the tunnel. Later signs clearly state that beyond exit 398 one is committed to the toll road. When will Transit NZ update the signage to remove this misinformation?

Paul Cornish, Devonport

The free route north is signposted at Silverdale because, by agreement with the former Rodney District Council, all overweight and oversized vehicles using this part of the state highway network are not allowed to use the toll road because of their size, and neither are they allowed down Grand Drive, the final exit to Orewa before the toll road. Would it not then make sense to indicate this, so that ordinary motorists would know that there is another exit for them, at 394, which they are entitled to use?

Q: What does a legal pedestrian crossing have to have to make it a legal crossing, ie, where it is reasonable to expect to be able to safely cross with an expectation that traffic will stop?

Does the type of road make a difference?

Nikki Matthews, North Shore.

A legal pedestrian zebra crossing has black and white poles with orange discs, diamond road markings on the approach to the crossing, and white stripes on the road. Pedestrians have the right of way at a pedestrian zebra crossing, although it behoves the pedestrian to ensure that traffic has or will stop before venturing on to the crossing. As a general rule roading authorities do not support the placement of zebra or kea (school patrols) crossings on roads where the posted speed limit is greater than 50km/h.

Q: Who is responsible for clearing leaves around the central city? During the storm last week there were rivers going down Nelson and Hobson Sts because of leaves blocking drains. And leaves on footpaths made it extremely slippery underfoot.

Liz McGuire, Auckland.

The cleaning of Auckland's streets is a service delivered by Auckland Transport. If there is a problem in your street you can contact Auckland Transport and request cleaning.