Ask Phoebe: Traffic in free left turn slip lanes must give way

An intersection controlled by traffic lights. Photo / APN

An intersection near me is controlled by traffic lights, but has a free left turn. Who has right of way if I use the free left turn and a car coming towards me is making a right turn into the same street?

Kasper Koning, Auckland.

The free left turn lane has, or should have, a give way sign at its end. Vehicles on this slip lane must continue to give way to other traffic not similarly controlled, as they do now.

Do cafes and bars owners who cover bits of the pavement outside their premises with tables, chairs and sometimes barriers, pay for the use of this public space - the footpath?

Cathy Fraser, Devonport.

Restaurants and cafes may apply to council for a licence to occupy part of the footpath outside their premises. The licence comes at a cost. However, if street furniture is obstructing pedestrians, they have the right to complain to the council and have the placement reviewed. As part of the council's street trading policy, there must be space for pedestrians to pass by, as well as get to nearby shops and offices, rubbish bins and parked cars, crossings and buses.

This scenario would mostly be at T intersections but it could also be at crossroads. At an intersection you stop at the give way at the bottom of the T. A red car is approaching from your left indicating a right turn. A blue car is also approaching from your right indicating a left turn. Now the red car stops and waits to give way to the blue car. Could I now proceed through the give way as the red car must wait for the blue car to turn which will not be in my path? Perhaps it's not safe or legal but possible.

Ross Allen, Rotorua.

I think you just answered your own question, Mr Allen. If it is not legal, you may not do it. If it is not safe, you should not do it.

I commute every weekend between Torbay and Whangarei. Along East Coast Rd between Torbay and Silverdale and further along the route to Whangarei there are numerous road works with 30km/h speed limits but the workers have gone for the day or weekend. The road conditions seem fine. Because I have a speeding ticket from the 80km/h limit through the tunnels I am very careful to adhere to the limits. However, I have had to pull over four times to let traffic past who were travelling at approximately 60km/h in the 30km/h limit road work area and I consider I am a hindrance to the traffic flow. Please advise whether, if there are no workmen, does the 30km/h limit still apply?

Sandra Gordon, Whangarei.

Yes it does. Even though the workers have gone for the day or the weekend, the conditions requiring a lower speed limit still exist. This might be because of narrower lanes, subsidence, closer oncoming traffic, or other reasons. You may be fined for driving above the posted temporary speed limit.