Get moving: Narrow motorway lanes

Q: The new section of motorway through the central city southbound, in particular over Khyber Pass Rd, has lanes that must be the narrowest on any motorway. Why? Has there been a lane-marking error, as the hatched areas on both sides of the lanes take up a lot of space? Philip Wardale, North Shore.

A: Well spotted, Mr Wardale. The lanes are slightly narrower than normal because that was the only way to squeeze in the increased number of lanes. Transit has compensated for this by reducing the speed limit over the whole Central Motorway Junction area. The hatched bits along the sides mark the hard shoulder, which is used by emergency vehicles to access breakdowns and accidents, so they have to stay.

Q: The new signage along the Northwestern Motorway city-bound is a tad confusing. Not knowing whether we should have been in the Central City lane or Port lane for Wellesley St, we chose the former. Wrong. The first sign for Wellesley St then appeared at a point where it was too late to change lanes. Can something be done about this? Kim Hastwell, Mt Albert.

A: Good news and bad. All the signage will be updated as part of the Central Motorway Junction project, which still under way. And the bad news? Wellesley St will not be signposted in the new order.

Q: The intersection of Fortunes Rd, Pigeon Mountain Rd and Casuarina Rd in Highland Park is an absolute nightmare. It is controlled by two stop signs, which people either ignore or don't understand. Are there any plans to upgrade this intersection? Dale Smith, Buckland Beach.

A: Yes - traffic lights should be in place by the end of the month.

* A bouquet. Work has started on the new bus stop in Quay St, opposite Tapora St. Well done, Auckland City.