Ask Phoebe: Speed bump decision a rigorous process

When looking at traffic calming AT considers: vehicle speeds, historic reported crashes, the surrounding road network, development in the area and pedestrian numbers. Photo / Warren Buckland

Q. Can you please advise who determines the placement of speed bumps on certain roads, what criteria are used, and the specifications to which these obstacles must comply?

Recently a number of these have been constructed in Oaktree Ave, Browns Bay. This is a road that provides a vital link from Albany to Browns Bay, carries a moderate amount of traffic including a number of bus routes, and provides access to a relatively large number of residential houses.

The advised speed limit over these obstacles is displayed as 25km/h, although the practical limit is more like 10-15km/h. What redress is available to the community to having these unilateral decisions reviewed? Vlad Sorokin, Pinehill.

Auckland Transport manages Auckland's road and public transport networks. Traffic calming measures such as speed bumps are used to improve safety by reducing vehicle speeds or discouraging through traffic on local streets.

When looking at traffic calming AT considers: vehicle speeds, historic reported crashes, the surrounding road network, development in the area and pedestrian numbers.

Oaktree Ave residents have been complaining about vehicles speeding on their street and putting their children in danger. A traffic survey backed up their concerns.

All local traffic management projects such as Oaktree Ave go through a process of consultation with key stakeholders, including local boards and directly affected residents. A report is presented to a committee of senior officers for consideration before proceeding.

If you have an issue with speed bumps, you should write to Auckland Transport.

Q. Please tell me where you can take used batteries to be recycled in Auckland. Colin Wye, Auckland.

The Ministry for the Environment has a very helpful page on its website dealing with just this issue. Go to www.mfe.govt.nz and in the Publications list you'll find one entitled Waste. The second item is 'The safe disposal of batteries'. If you click on the right hand side under Availability, you can read the publication online. It gives advice on all types of batteries.