Editorial: Changes to crossings a concern

An artist's impression of the new red and white striped crossings.

Have you ever been confused about who has the right of way at the Green Corridor crossings in the central city? You shouldn't be. It's perfectly simple.

Pedestrian crossings are usually black and white, and are clearly labelled. They are also affectionately called "zebra" crossings because of their black and white stripes.

Although it sounds clear, we find ourselves slowing down when we see the green paint across the road. Some drivers - dangerously - slam on their brakes when they suddenly see the green paint. You can't help the way you naturally react.

Pedestrians get it wrong, too. They wander out across the green paint thinking they are in the right, forcing drivers to slow down or stop.

To say it is a shambles is a bit harsh. But there are issues.

The Rotorua Lakes Council has undertaken a safety audit and is making what it calls some "minor improvements". I'm not sure they're minor. I'm also not sure they're improvements.

Some crossings will keep the plain green paint (drivers have right of way), some will now be painted red (drivers have right of way) and some will be painted red and white (pedestrians have right of way, drivers must stop).

So there are soon to be three different types of crossings - and none use the black and white stripes of a zebra crossing.

Call me a pessimist but if we struggled with the green painted crossings, I'm not sure how this will be an improvement to safety.

How will tourists handle these new set of rules?

The city is also looking sharp (well done, Rotorua Lakes Council) but the bright red and white striped crossings don't fit the colour scheme.

It's more like something you'd see in a Where's Wally? children's book.

We all like to have our say on what goes on in our central city. It's a hot topic for debate.

But it appears these changes to the controversial crossings are news to even our elected council member who is the leader of the inner-city portfolio.

Councillor Karen Hunt told us yesterday she wasn't aware the crossings were painted at the weekend. She said it's not the councillors' jobs to know "every breath the operations teams take".

I suggest this is one of those topics that those representing us should have had a chance to discuss during an open council meeting.

Safe driving, everyone.