Get Moving: Beware, the cars have right of way

Q: Outside the 277 store on Broadway in Newmarket is a sign, "Pedestrians give way to traffic". We believe that this is wrong, and that turning traffic is supposed to give way to everything, including pedestrians. Are we wrong, or has the council altered the rules to suit itself? Peter Halpin, Auckland.

A: The council has put up that sign to remind pedestrians that it is their responsibility to watch for turning traffic. The 2005 road rules say that drivers are required to give way to pedestrians only where there are traffic lights with a walk/don't walk phase, and at pedestrian crossings, and where a vehicle has to cross a footpath to enter or leave a property using a vehicle crossing, such as getting to a supermarket. In these cases the pedestrian has right of way. There is, of course, a duty of care for all road users, including pedestrians, but it does seem unnecessarily risky to walk out in front of turning traffic, or any traffic, and just expect it to screech to a halt.

Q: What do the numbers at the motorway exits refer to? I assume they are a reference to a point in Auckland, but I can't figure it out. Keith Harris, Auckland.

A: Look north, young man. The numbers are based on the distance in kilometres from the beginning of State Highway 1, which starts at Cape Reinga. Thus the Silverdale exit is Exit 398, being 398km from Cape Reinga, Esmonde Rd is 420, and so on. The Northwestern (SH16) calculation begins at the Port of Auckland, and the Southwestern (SH20) at its intersection with SH1. And yes, there are double-ups - there are two Exit 2s, for example, on different motorways - but the names will remain, to assist the confused.

Q: Some weeks ago, large square blocks of some material appeared to be placed under the new piece of motorway near the Barrys Point Rd offramp. What are they made of? Are they to stop the new motorway cracking? Charlie McInman, Auckland.

A: The blocks are polystyrene. As well as being used as packing material, polystyrene is often used to fill gaps in concrete structures, supporting the concrete as it sets and providing permanent lightweight fill. At Esmonde Rd, the poor ground between the Hillcrest Creek bridge and the busway underpass requires stabilisation, and traditional fill would be too heavy. The blocks of polystyrene you can see will be stacked together in a tray arrangement, and fixed in place with metal plates. A concrete deck will be built over the blocks, and then the road will go on top of that. Smart stuff.