KEY POINTS:
I have been trying to get a response to the question of excessive noise caused by engine braking by trucks on the Harbour Bridge. I notice Transit has signs on state highways forbidding the use of engine brakes, I presume to spare the residents nearby. I implore Transit to at least put up signs forbidding the use of engine brakes above residential areas, or better still erect sound barriers. Trucks are the only vehicles to emit this excessive noise on the bridge. Please, can something be done? Paul Bettany, Northcote.
Engine brakes, also known as compression release engine brakes, are necessary for some heavy vehicles in high speed areas, such as motorways, or where there are steep gradients, such as on the Harbour Bridge. They are essentially a safety feature.
This type of braking system is typical in older trucks, but each new model brings improvements in design.
The Road Transport Association and Transit do not support unnecessary use of engine brakes. Education of truck drivers is the key, as it is not legally possible to enforce this.
That said, it is not just engine brakes that make noise on the bridge; regular heavy traffic flows contribute as well. Sadly, it seems that little can be done, apart from moving house.
Incidentally, the signs seen outside towns on state highways are put up by the local council, not by Transit.
Before and during the footpath upgrade in Queen St and K Rd, cars, vans and trucks drove and parked on the footpaths. Now that a large part of the work has been done, the footpaths are still used by vehicles to drive on and park. It must be hard on the footpaths, and hazardous to pedestrians. Is it allowed? Brian Mercer, Auckland.
No, it most definitely is not. Rule 6.14 (1) of Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004 states very clearly that a driver or person in charge of a vehicle must not stop, stand or park the vehicle on a footpath or a cycle path. The Road Code also says that you must not park where it will be in the way of other people, including pedestrians. If you do, you risk being fined or having your vehicle towed. The parking wardens might like to keep an eye on this area.
Q: At intersections, cycle lanes are potentially dangerous for cyclists when motorists make a left turn across the lane. What rule applies here, given that it can be difficult to see into the cycle lane if you're being followed closely by a larger vehicle? Edwin Eide, Takapuna.
Vehicles must give way to cycles when they are crossing a cycle lane. And as in any driving situation, if you can't see what's coming, slow right down until you can see what you're dealing with, and always indicate your intentions.
Noted: Is it just me or are there more road signs on the Southern Motorway? During a recent trip back to Auckland, I noticed a proliferation of red shields with '1' in them, denoting State Highway 1, surmounted by signs saying 'North'.
If this is a new phenomenon, well done Transit. That should assist the directionally confused among us.
