Let's move away from crossing

Wanganui district councillor Rob Vinsen is nothing if not persistent in his campaign to change the layout of the Taupo Quay upgrade.

He's been banging the drum for a designated pedestrian crossing, believing a raised platform at the intersection of the Quay and Drews Ave will not provide enough safety for pedestrians. He argues that everyone on council, from the mayor down, fails to "understand" the need for one.

But his problem is that everyone else agrees with council senior roading engineers' advice. His persistence is difficult to fathom. It's not as if council is unfamiliar with this project - the debate really kicked into life over the number of trees tagged for removal in the original concept.

Council is sticking with the revamped design, despite Mr Vinsen's view that without the necessary markings the raised platform will be confusing for walkers and drivers - and thus dangerous.

What he ignores is that the design is based on the premise that traffic will be "calmed" through that area and, by the nature of the tighter roadway, will have no option but to move slowly.

Part of the transport strategy is aimed at persuading heavy traffic to use alternative streets and bypass the Quay.

His argument has centred on pedestrian activity, especially on Saturdays when the riverside market is operating. But mayor Annette Main, who has run her stall at the market for eight years, is unaware of any serious accident on the Quay in that time.

Councillors must find Mr Vinsen's persistence irksome. This is not a major thoroughfare.

Surely pedestrians with any concerns will be vigilant - and they can use the controlled intersection on Victoria Ave, 100 metres from where the raised platform will go.

Other councillors are satisfied with the expert opinion from senior staff and have moved on. Mr Vinsen needs to do the same.