Ask Phoebe: Let's get clear on the lane priorities

I'm just wondering if the NZ Transport Agency is planning on putting any more signs up about the transit lane on the Penrose/Church St onramp northbound. I'm quite often stuck behind several cars with at least two people in them queuing up at the ramp lights. I don't think a lot of people know what T2 means. I'm also wondering if the police are planning to do anything about the queue jumpers who zip down the transit lane with only one person in the car. Andrew Furrell, Auckland.

NZTA has installed another sign at the Southeastern Highway northbound onramp, to explain to drivers who is eligible to use the T2 lanes, which are also known as managed priority lanes. The sign has symbols and a description of each of the permitted vehicle types, which are those carrying two or more people, taxis, buses, trucks and motorcycles.

The motorway police are on the case too. They enforce the priority lane restrictions as part of their patrols. In recent weeks they have been keeping an eye on the Southeastern Highway onramp, as well as the Mt Wellington onramp and the Great North Rd one on the Northeastern Motorway. The fine for driving in a priority lane with fewer than two people in a car is about $150.

Of late I have made a point of eating takeaway food only from places that display an A health certificate. I recently looked up from munching a chicken teriyaki in one of my preferred Japanese joints, and saw an E certificate on the wall. What are the rules about these certificates, and how low can a place be graded before it gets closed down? Patrick Johnson, Auckland.

It depends on where you are. Food premises are required to be registered under the Food Hygiene Regulations 1974 and the Health (Registration of Premises) Regulations 1966.

Most local bodies have a grading system, to let you know what you're in for. The grading covers inspection of the premises, conduct and practices, cleaning and sanitising, training of staff and process control. In Auckland, there are Gold A grades (very high level of compliance and best practice), Grade A (high level of compliance), all the way down to Grade E (serious deficiencies in compliance). Those who receive a D or E may be prosecuted, and their premises closed until improvements are made and inspected.

Ds and Es may be awarded for the presence of cockroaches, rats and mice and their droppings, and rotting food.