KEY POINTS:
Q. I travel to work each day along Mt Eden Rd towards the city. At the intersection with Symonds St, there is a sign saying, "Buses only may turn right from left lane". That's fine, but an increasing number of cars turn right here as well. This creates
problems for those of us who use the correct lane and then try to turn left into Newton Rd.
To add to the confusion, the directional arrows on Mt Eden Rd have worn off, so that at a glance it appears to allow a right turn from the left lane. It's a bit hair-raising when a vehicle other than a bus (which is pretty visible) regularly appears on your left where none should be. Could something be done here please? Arthur Grant, Auckland.
A. The left lane on Mt Eden Rd is left-turn only for all vehicles except buses. The council wasn't aware that the road markings had worn off, and this situation will be corrected promptly.
A similar situation has arisen in the following question. Perhaps it's time councils and Transit took some heed of the paint trials we see on roads around the country, and used paint on streets and roads that lasts the distance.
Q. We all know how dangerous the roads are and how careful we ordinary people must be in using them. I'm horrified and amazed that weeks after the diversion to and from Hillsborough Rd to State Highway 20 was completed, two pairs of white painted arrows remain on the two-lane carriageway.
In the past these guided us into appropriate lanes when we were travelling west towards Hillsborough Rd from the airport. However, this is now the eastbound carriageway travelling to the airport.
It beggars the imagination to wonder what might happen to a person unfamiliar with the area to find themselves travelling on a road with arrows pointing in the opposite direction. Is it possible to have them removed? Allan Kirk, Mt Eden.
A. Transit does know about this and has in the past painted over the arrows with black paint. The high volume of traffic here means that Transit's black paint wears off, so it will be done again. The new eastbound onramp should make this part of the new roading system much safer.
Q. When I travel westwards along Quay St, I wish to turn left into Commerce St. However, the lane on my left is marked Bus Lane, with a solid white painted line.
Can I legally turn left here? Kevin O'Sullivan, Mt Wellington.
A. Yes, you can. The Road Code states that where special vehicle lanes are marked, such as bus lanes or transit lanes, other vehicles may use these lanes only for making a turn. And it would be prudent, as well as a legal necessity, to give way to any vehicles entitled to use the lane.