Complaints over $60,000 safety warning sign at accident black spot

A large sign to warn of approaching cyclists at the dangerous intersection of Tamaki Dr and Ngapipi Rd is not performing to expectations.

The 5m flashing sign costing $60,000 was installed late in December to flash up in orange lights when city-bound cyclists approached from 30m away.

It is meant to warn motorists wanting to turn right into Ngapipi Rd that cyclists were about to cross in front.

However, Eastern Bays Community Board member Colin Davis told Auckland City Council transport committee members yesterday that the sign was not a perfect solution to cyclists' worries at the city's second-worst accident black spot for pedallers.

"The sign is not easily visible when the sun is low in the late afternoon, early evening and shining directly on to the sign," he said.

"The sign either works or it does not. Some motorists say they have waited for cyclists and none came. It needs fixing."

Mr Davis said the board also believed another sign was needed on the eastern side of the intersection cautioning cyclists to slow down or proceed with care at the intersection.

This would warn of potential turning traffic from Tamaki Drive into Ngapipi Rd and conversely right-turning traffic from the road entering the drive in an easterly direction.

The board preferred installation of traffic lights to be the long-term safety measure for all who turned from Tamaki Drive into Ngapipi Rd and from the road into the drive in an easterly direction.

It also called for the committee to run the flashing sign as a trial after a young woman drove into a pack of cyclists in September at the St Heliers end of Tamaki Drive, injuring four.

The council also set up a forum of 40 interested groups to improve safety.

Cycle Action Auckland deputy chairwoman Barbara Cuthbert said the forum had been a good idea and members worked well together in the interests of the safety and enjoyment of all users of the popular waterfront route.

Asked if the "quick win" solutions implemented by the council in December, including the cycle warning sign, had made a difference she said:

"No, I don't think there has been a difference and there won't be until they make some changes to the route.

"We need clearway lanes and cycle lanes, because those will mean we have space between [traffic and cycles] so cyclists are not holding up traffic.

"This will lead to more cyclists using the road and leaving more space on the footpath for pedestrians."

Council network performance manager Karen Hay said there were issues to be worked through.

The committee recommended safety improvements costing $455,000 during this financial year.

A road safety campaign would be conducted this month.