KEY POINTS:
I am intrigued by the road signs at the approaches to Waitakere City from State Highway 16 and the Upper Harbour Bridge. They refer to Waitakere City and, with other destinations, indicate a distance. As you approach the city on SH16 just past the intersection with SH18, the sign refers to Waitakere City 7 km. I live in the city and am aware the city boundary with Rodney District is about 100m away - not 7 km. I am also aware the signs are actually referring to Henderson.
For me and other locals who don't need to use them, the signs' misleading nature is not a problem. But for someone seeking to find Henderson, it must be most confusing. Surely road signs are for the guidance of strangers to the area and should be helpful - and more accurate? If Henderson cannot be used on a sign for some legal reason surely the signs could be changed to read Waitakere City Centre [Henderson]?
John Powell, Swanson
When new signs go up as part of the Te Atatu-to-Lincoln six-lane widening project, Transit will consider including Henderson on an additional destination sign.
But for the record, Transit explains:
"The Waitakere City distance (7km) travelling eastbound on the SH16 motorway is to the Lincoln Rd interchange off-ramp, which is considered to be the most direct off-ramp and route choice for Waitakere City Centre.
"Waitakere City does not have an official city centre and, therefore, city centre is not shown on traffic signs.
"An agreement between Transit and the council favoured Waitakere City rather than Henderson for the eastbound direction, since Henderson is not near the motorway and, by rule, we must be consistent with all other cities in Auckland to trail-blaze their name until they have reached the appropriate interchange.
"Interchange names for urban motorways are known by their arterial road name. Henderson is also shown as an additional destination name to the interchange name Lincoln Rd on the main guide sign system for Lincoln Rd eastbound off-ramp, although Henderson is not shown for the westbound direction.
"Henderson is shown on all Lincoln Rd off-ramp advance signs and ramp intersections."