Ongoing safety focus for intersections

Published on 16 April 2014

16 April 2014

Operations and Reporting Committee Chair Cr Ray Stevens says it is good news that the Wanganui District does not feature in the ‘Top 100 High Risk Intersections’ recently published by the New Zealand Transport Agency.

There are on average four fatal crashes and 18 serious injury crashes a year within the Wanganui District boundaries.

“The pain and suffering of these people and their families continues to make road safety an issue,” Cr Stevens said.

“The New Zealand Transport Agency currently funds safety improvement projects on council roads at a rate of 72%. It makes good sense to make the roads safer when a central government agency is paying almost three-quarters of the costs.”

An example of the Wanganui District Council’s initiative in this area was the trialled change to the crossroad intersection at Halswell Street/London Street, making it a ‘T’ intersection by closing it at London Street on the Aramoho side of Halswell Street. The trial was successful in reducing crashes, so in December 2013 the Council decided to permanently change the intersection. The Give Way sign on the opposite side of London Street was changed to a Stop sign.

“This intersection previously rated as one of the highest in the city for crashes relative to the low traffic volumes, with 16 reported crashes in five years,” Cr Stevens said.

“Since March 2013, when we began the trial closure, there have been no reported crashes at the intersection. Residents in the area have told us they are pleased with the changes and the resulting decrease in crashes, which has made them feel a lot safer.

“That’s good news for our district and I hope that, with solutions like the one for London/Halswell made in conjunction with community, we can continue to improve our safety record.”