KEY POINTS:
Q. Across from the church in Esmonde Rd in Takapuna is a grassed area with lovely tall pine trees and a meandering concrete path. At the end of the path is a gravel area, then a patch of asphalt, joining up with the bridge over the creek at the end of Barry's Point Rd. The gravel and asphalt look really scrappy and untidy and spoil this pretty area, and I'm wondering what the intention is for completing the work. Marilyn Squire, Takapuna.
A. The planned construction of a shared pedestrian and cycle bridge has been removed from North Shore City's works programme. A sign of the times, I guess.
The area will be tidied up, though - the work might have already started - and sealed properly in time for Santa's visit.
Q. What are the regulations regarding seat belts in the rear of a campervan? I have a campervan with three seatbelts in the front but none in the rear cabin. My son and his family are coming for a visit and it would be convenient if I could pick them up from the airport in the campervan in order to accommodate their luggage. One adult and a small child would be seated in the rear cabin. Would I need to fit seatbelts there? I have noticed a number of people using campervans without seat restraints in the rear. John Addis, Green Bay.
A. Jack Biddle of the Automobile Association, helpful fellow that he is, has this to say:
If the campervan was manufactured before October 1, 2003, and has been continuously registered since then, there is no regulation regarding the number of rear occupants or the necessity for them to wear seatbelts.
If the vehicle was first registered in New Zealand or converted to a campervan after October 1, 2003, then all occupants in the vehicle must use a seatbelt. The number of berths is based on the number of seatbelts.
This particular campervan will be a three-berth, as it has three seatbelts.
If you wish to have more seatbelts fitted, Mr Addis, and this is highly recommended, then you will have to have the seatbelts and installation certified. A plate is attached to the vehicle showing that the rear seatbelts have been certified.
A non-qualified person can fit the seatbelts as along as a certifier checks the work and signs it off.
The certification is carried out by the Low Volume Vehicle Association. No, I've never heard of it either.
For more information visit www.lvvta.org.nz
Q. Any idea when lights or a signal crossing will be installed at the intersection of Newton Rd and Upper Queen St? It has been mentioned, but nothing seems to have happened yet. Donna Lloyd, Auckland.
A. The Auckland City Council plans to have the work done by April or May.
