Get moving: Prison vans break into the bus lanes

Q: I have noticed when struggling with heavy traffic on the Northern Motorway that prisoner transport vans use the bus lane. Is this legal? It seems somewhat unfair that prisoners get preferential treatment over other drivers, given that taxis and motorcycles are not allowed to use the bus lanes. Paul Hayes, Forrest Hill.

A: Terry Brown of Transit says no vans of any sort are allowed in the motorway bus lanes, and he's off to discuss the matter with police.

Q: To improve traffic flow, why aren't there signs at roundabouts reminding drivers to use their indicators to signal their intentions? Why not put painted arrows on the roads as well as lane markers? Michael Gambitsis, Avondale.

A: Multi-lane roundabouts throughout the country are to be marked so that drivers entering and leaving can follow a clearly marked path.

Drivers will also be expected to indicate whether they are going to turn left into an exit less than halfway round a roundabout.

If they are going to use an exit more than halfway round they should indicate right when they enter the roundabout then signal left when they pass the exit before the one they intend to use.

I use the word "should" deliberately.

It is difficult to legislate for stupid and inconsiderate drivers.

Q: I'm wondering when the outside lane halfway down Nelson St that is blocked off for construction work will be released back to traffic. Is it normal practice for a public road to be partly blocked off so a developer can park work vehicles? Mark Conway, Te Atatu North.

A: The permit for this work expires in November, and Nelson St should then be restored to its full width. It is becoming commonplace for buildings to be constructed right up to the legal boundaries, leaving no room for loading and unloading large vehicles. Permits are only issued for lane closures like this if a developer can prove there is no other way of operating, and each case is considered on its merits.

Q: The queues of traffic waiting to turn right from The Mall into Campbell Rd in Onehunga can get quite long. Are there any plans for traffic lights here? B Bassett, Ellerslie.

A: No. The council says the delays are not excessive, and there are no safety issues involved, so you just need to be patient.