1089 days ago

Poll: Do you support the fine increase for using a mobile while driving from $80 to $150?

Reporter Community News

Drivers have been captured on camera boldly using their phones while driving, to video call, text and make calls.

The footage, taken in Auckland, comes as the Government increased the cost of a fine for using a cellphone while driving from $80 to $150.

Over the course of a week, ahead of the fine increase, a Stuff visual journalist captured numerous people using their phones while driving, including a woman who appeared to be on a video call while passing through an intersection, a man speaking on the phone and numerous people texting or looking at their phone.

Last year, police issued more than 40,000 infringement notices for the offence.

A driver for Dingo Groundworx NZ was captured using their phone while driving a truck along Williamson Ave, in Ponsonby.

Owner Cameron Hadley told Stuff all employees were very aware they should not be using their phones while driving.

He said he would be raising the issue in a staff meeting.

AA road safety spokesman Dylan Thomsen told Stuff he wasn’t surprised to hear about the woman video calling while driving.

While AA supports the Government’s fine increase, Thomsen said it wasn’t going to solve the problem.

“People just can’t resist the temptation if they hear their phone go off ... it’s not something you do by accident.”

“A lot of people use their phone behind the wheel and don’t do other risky things.”

He hopes as there are further advancements in technology, phone companies can have default “do not disturb” modes that activate as soon as drivers start moving in their car.

“Until we change the mindset it will be hard with enforcement alone, people don’t appreciate the risks until it’s too late,” Thomsen said.

To see video footage, go here:

www.stuff.co.nz...

*Please put NFP if you do not want your comments used by Stuff.

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Do you support the fine increase for using a mobile while driving from $80 to $150?
  • 90.2% Yes
    90.2% Complete
  • 8% No
    8% Complete
  • 1.8% Unsure- it's too complex
    1.8% Complete
2161 votes
More messages from your neighbours
9 hours ago

Original Art on Baseball Caps / Hats

Connie from Remuera

Hello everyone,

I am presenting a limited release of hand-painted artwork on Baseball Caps. There will only be 29 caps in this range. For now, please do have a look at the first seven Caps attached. I will post more in the future as I work on them.

Price per piece = $55.00.
Fabric look/feel is suede-like (not real suede). It is a really nice quality cap. You can zoom out each photo to view better.
Adjustable backstrap with metal clasp.
NOTE: Some Caps have more than one photo to give you views from different sides (I can send you more photos if required).

Mother's Day is just two weeks away. This would make a really memorable yet practical gift for that special person. OR...get it for yourself! Just know that when you are wearing it to brunch, on your walks or at tennis/golf, YOU are the only person in the world with this original piece of wearable art ☺️.

Pickup in Remuera or happy to courier:
P&p $16.00 (with signature)
Rural addresses +$5.50.
If you want it sent overseas, I am happy to quote.

For the remaining Caps that I will be painting, if you have any suggestions that you would like to see, or if you would like to order a cap with a particular bird/flower et , I am happy to consider. No portraits please! That would be too hard on fabric 😅.

Have a lovely weekend,
Connie.
PS. I apologise for the low photo resolution as I had to resize them down to be able to post.

www.facebook.com...

5 days ago

Poll: Does the building consent process need to change?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

We definitely need homes that are fit to live in but there are often frustrations when it comes to getting consent to modify your own home.
Do you think changes need made to the current process for building consent? Share your thoughts below.

Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.

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Does the building consent process need to change?
  • 91.4% Yes
    91.4% Complete
  • 8.1% No
    8.1% Complete
  • 0.5% Other - I'll share below!
    0.5% Complete
1413 votes
2 days ago

Lest we forget...

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

On this ANZAC Day, let's take a moment to remember and honor the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our country.

Tell us who are you honouring today. Whether it's a story from the battlefield or a memory of a family member who fought in the war, we'd love you to share your stories below.

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