At the public meeting held on August 29 with representatives from Auckland Transport, it was evident that they had little knowledge or experience of travelling on Pakuranga Road.
Their main concern was for the safety of pedestrians rather than for motorists. One wonders if the real reason is to force commuters to use public transport. However, a little research would show that the existing crossing at Glenmore Road is beneficial for both pedestrians and motorists and another one is surplus to requirements.
When pedestrians cross Pakuranga Road at Glenmore Road, they stop the flow of two lanes of traffic heading towards the motorway. This allows a break for traffic to enter from that intersection into the inside lane of Pakuranga Road and move across into the outside lane without having to merge with two other lanes immediately. This is a safe outcome for both pedestrians and motorists.
If a raised crossing is constructed a short distance away, three lanes of traffic will be stopped and the ensuing dash to merge into one lane in order to turn left at the bottom of the hill will cause chaos.
Reducing the speed limit will not solve this dilemma. Pakuranga Road’s relatively accident-free record will no longer exist and gridlock will be the result.
All we ask is that Auckland Transport does its homework and realises the futility of their proposal.
Sue Stone, Farm Cove
