KEY POINTS:
I think the new rules around speed limits outside schools are good and I try to slow down whenever I go past, but sometimes I don't realise the school is there until I'm right by the gate. Is it all schools that the rule applies to, or just the ones with the signs out? If it is all schools, why do only some have reminders for drivers? Also, how far do I have to go past before I can speed back up to the regular limit again?
Gretchen Tackenberg, Auckland.
The 50km/h limit applies outside all schools. Since February last year, the tolerance of up to 10km/h above the speed limit before an infringement notice is issued has not applied outside schools. Here, the tolerance is only 4km/h; in other words you will be ticketed if you drive at 55km/h in a school zone which is within a 50km/h area. The speed restriction generally applies while schools are in session and can be extended for weekend sports and galas.
The 4km/h tolerance applies for 250m on each side of the school, and also applies to preschools, kindergartens, kohanga reo and playcentres. Most councils provide some sort of indication to drivers that they are in the vicinity of a school and the signage is increasing. And a growing number of schools have a 40km/h limit, which applies before and after the school day.
Can you tell me what happened to the requirement to signal left when exiting straight ahead at a roundabout? If this rule still applies, it is ignored in most cases.
Jim Taylor, Silverdale.
The Road Code says that if you are going "straight through" a roundabout, don't signal as you come up to the roundabout, but put your left indicator on as you pass the exit before the one you want to take. It may not always be possible to give other traffic a three-second warning of your intention, especially at small roundabouts, but it is courteous to give as much notice as possible.
Is the bus lane along Fanshawe St heading north actually a bus lane? Every time I drive along here I see cars using the lane, but I also notice large signs saying it is a bus lane. Who's correct, the drivers or the signs?
Christopher Dempsey, Auckland.
The Ask Phoebe investigative team, fearless as ever, went out to have a look, and it seems it all depends on which part of Fanshawe St you're in. Between Nelson and Halsey Sts, the left lane, marked off with a solid white line, is for buses and traffic wanting to turn left into Halsey St. Between the Halsey St and Beaumont St intersections on Fanshawe St, it is a fulltime bus lane.
Clarification: Last week, I said the Newmarket Viaduct had never had a weight restriction. I was wrong. The viaduct was apparently closed to all traffic over two tons in the late 60s or early 70s. Additional reinforcing was added and the black asphalt seal was replaced with lighter-coloured chip to reflect heat and help to prevent buckling.
