Masterton driver warns of hazard

WARNING: Masterton motorist Warren Mikoz at the corner of Crayne and Dixon Sts where he says overhanging branches and bushes (right) constitute a road hazard that conceals from view oncoming traffic for drivers turning in to Dixon St.PHOTO/NATHAN CROMBIE

A Masterton motorist has raised a warning about vegetation near a sweeping bend in the town that hides oncoming vehicles "until they're almost on top of you".

Warren Mikoz said, "Someone is going to get in a bad accident if the [Masterton District] council don't cut it back.

"It's a crash just waiting to happen."

Mr Mikoz said he had several times alerted council officers to the overhanging tree branches and bushes growing on the southwestern corner of the Crayne and Dixon Sts intersection that he believes constitute a traffic hazard to motorists turning in to Dixon St.

The speed limit at the site is 50km/h, he said, and vehicles approaching from the south are mostly concealed while approaching and often seem to exceed the speed limit while navigating the sweeping bend.

"When you check for traffic from the south, you can't see anything through the bushes until they're almost on top of you. I offered to cut back the vegetation myself but was told just before Christmas the council would see to it."

Masterton District Council roading engineer Hamish Pringle said the vegetation at the centre of Mr Mikoz's complaint involved branches from a large oak tree that stands in a council reserve at Kuripuni and bushes that are growing along a fenceline in a private corner property on Crayne St.

"There's not a lot of sightline there I agree but short of taking that tree out, there is what there is," he said. "Our parks people will have a look. I'm sure they'll take away any branches that need to be removed and I'd like to think the private property owner will co-operate if needed."