Exasperation at Motueka's 'arrogant' treatment by NZTA

May 7th, 2011
[by David Armstrong]

Community Board chairman David Ogilvie is becoming exasperated by what many see as the lack of respect shown by NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to the clearly stated request by Motueka people to address safety concerns in High Street by installing traffic lights at Pah Street.

In his report to the Community Board for next Tuesday's meeting, David says NZTA has been inconsistent, "almost arrogant, and ignorant", and asks "Where does the community go to now?" to get them to see the need.

He also calls on support from the Mayor, Councillors and Managers on this matter when they next meet with NZTA,a nd says support from the four MPs who represent our electorate, to the Minister, would be productive also.

He points out that in Richmond there are three sets of traffic signals at the Oxford Street – Gladstone Road – Queen Street intersection which clearly delay traffic flow, yet according to NZTA policy traffic flow must not be delayed in Motueka at our major intersection, along our main street.

"NZTA ignores the reality that High Street is our main street. The inconsistency in NZTA’s thinking is abundantly clear – almost arrogant, and ignorant.

"It appears that the safety of our Motueka residents is of lesser importance than traffic flow. Installing traffic signals at that corner would provide certainty, security and safety for Motueka people."

He says that 12 months ago NZTA released its “Safer Journeys 2010 – 2020 – NZ’s road safety strategy” with the Minister himself, Steven Joyce, proclaiming that safety was a top roading priority. "This obviously does not apply to Motueka residents," David adds with annoyance.

"NZTA has just spent $30 million on the Ruby Bay bypass. They have also contributed to a major project at Stringer’s Road. There are currently projects along the Coastal Highway between Tasman and Mariri, and also the reconstruction at the round-a-bout at Three Brothers’ Corner.

"Traffic lights at the Pah Street – Greenwood Street – High Street intersection should not be a significant cost, but the local safety benefit would be significant. The 2010 Motueka Transport Study recommended it. The Motueka survey in November 2010 made it the top priority. Where does the community go to now?"

In his report David also re-iterated his deep concerns about governance at Motueka Airport. At the April Community Board meeting the Board deferred a decision on David's recommendation, that "the Motueka Community Board requests the Tasman District Council to transfer governance and operational issues for the Motueka Airport to the Motueka Community Board as from 1 July 2011.”

David says that he has had comments from residents regarding the proposal and "clearly there is major concern with both management and governance of the Airport, much of it arising from, first, a lack of Motueka and stakeholder involvement and secondly, the closed/confidential nature of the Enterprises Subcommittee’s debates."

He says the present situation is untenable and the proposed recommendation endeavours to address the weaknesses. "It provides two months to set up a different administrative system, which I envisage including Council, Community Board and stakeholders."

Comment by Valerie Rae:
[Posted 15 May 2011]

I applaud David's comments re the lack of respect by NZTA for the safety and wishes of the citizens of Motueka re the High St lights, the bypass and a new bridge. I think we all accept that with funds being used to rebuild Chch roads, our bridge and even bypass will not take priority, but the High St situation is dangerous and needs to be rectified asap before we have a major vehicle/pedestrian fatality.

Comment by John & Pauline Westall:
[Posted 16 May 2011]

I agree with David's comments about the need for lights at the High/Pah St intersection. The lights (if we ever get them) should also control the pedestrian crossings at that site.

Comment by Jenny Richards:
[Posted 20 May 2011]

It's a nightmare even turning left from High into Greenwood St. especially if your view of the pedestrian crossing is partially blocked by a large vehicle, waiting to cross. I a-l-m-o-s-t didn't see the elderly man on his mobility scooter!

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