Ask Phoebe: Sluggish right-turn signal keeps irate driver waiting

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When I drive from Ascot Ave to turn right (east) into Remuera Rd at the traffic intersection, I find the right-turn signal sometimes doesn't change to green. I once waited while the straight-ahead signal (towards Orakei Rd) changed to green three times, but the right-turn signal did not change once. In this case, should I ignore the right-turn signal and turn when the through light is green and there is no car coming, or do I have to go straight through and make a u-turn on Orakei Rd? George Wu, Remuera.

If the right-turn arrow is red, you may not turn right, even when there is no oncoming traffic. If the straight-ahead signal is green and there is no red arrow preventing a right turn, you may turn right when the way is clear.

Although doing a u-turn on Orakei Rd may seem like a good solution, such a manoeuvre is frequently dangerous.

It may be that there is a problem with the traffic signals at this intersection, in which case a call to Auckland Transport would be a good idea.

Over the summer I've noticed many cars with occupants' arms out of the window, some dangling, some out horizontally (not turning). I understand this is illegal in Australia, and would like to know if it is the same here? John Norton, Long Bay.

This is not a new phenomenon. I can find nothing to suggest the practice is illegal in New Zealand, although it is unsafe and unwise. I know of at least one person who habitually drove with his elbow resting on his car's open window ledge. One day a passing vehicle was a bit close, clipped the elbow, and removed forever my friend's ability to raise a pint with his right arm.

I understand there is to be a rail connection from the Auckland port, so the main distribution point for freight becomes somewhere south of Auckland, possibly Wiri. This would get the container trucks off the motorway and Tamaki Drive - a big advantage to those of us who drive cars. When can we expect that rail link to the port to be made? Kay Irwin, Auckland.

It's already there - it's been operating for a little over two years.

When will the northbound motorway ramp at Wellington St reopen? It has been closed since well before the Rugby World Cup and the onramp saves a lot of travel through town to get to the motorway. John Hickey, Mt Eden.

Not for a while yet, I'm afraid. It has been kept closed until the third lane through the Victoria Park Tunnel is ready for opening.

This event is scheduled to happen this month, and once the traffic engineers have calculated the tunnel's benefits to Auckland traffic the future of the Wellington St onramp will be decided. It's unlikely we'll see any action before midyear.