Get Moving: No light in sight to ease turning

By PHOEBE FALCONER

Q. Can you give me an idea when traffic lights will be installed at the bottom of the Bullock Track in Western Springs? The queues of cars trying to make a right turn into Great North Rd are huge, and there are so many accidents and near-misses. - Jenny Webster, Westmere.

A. Auckland City has no plans to install lights at this intersection. However, there are plans to put in traffic islands to channel the traffic and make turning right easier, but they are some way off.

You could make things easier yourself by going along Surrey Crescent to the lights at the top of Chinaman's Hill and turning right there.

Q. At traffic lights with a right turn arrow, why can't we have the system used overseas, which provides a flashing amber light, meaning turn with caution? It is frustrating having to wait for the green arrow when there are great gaps in the approaching traffic. - Howard Jack, Orakei.

A. Actually, Howard, you do not necessarily have to wait for a green arrow. If the red arrow is not showing and the main green light is showing, you can turn right if you give way to vehicles coming straight through. It's all in the Road Code.

Q. Is it possible to have a clearway in the morning on Ladies Mile between Abbotts Way and Morrin St? This would allow traffic not turning into Morrin St to use the left lane, often not possible at the moment because of parked cars. - Ian Finch, Glendowie.

A. Auckland City's traffic safety manager, Karen Hay, says that this possibility is being investigated, and a decision is due at the end of the month.

Karen has also taken a note of your question, Ian, and will keep you updated. Doesn't get much better than that, does it?

Q. What is being done about the terrible state of Te Mahia railway station? It is poorly lit, hard to find and unsafe, and really needs to be relocated closer to the Great South Rd overbridge where it would be more visible and accessible. - Isaac Broome, Takanini.

A. Auckland Regional Transport Network (ARTNL) is also concerned at the level of vandalism at Te Mahia and other stations, and chief executive Martin Gummer says they are trying to keep it under control by removing graffiti up to twice a week.

ARTNL is also working on upgrading lighting and signage at all railway stations, and installing closed-circuit television. Relocating Te Mahia station is not an option at this stage for various technical and operational reasons.

So, Isaac, there is light at the end of the tunnel.


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