Reduced speed preferred over barriers
From local democracy reporter David Hill:
A 60kph speed limit has been proposed on State Highway 1, between Pegasus and Waikuku, in preference to wire rope barriers.
The Waimakariri District Council has agreed to back a request from local residents for a speed reduction, as part of Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency’s Woodend safety improvements.
The request followed a meeting last week with Pegasus and Waikuku residents and Waka Kotahi director of regional relationships James Caygill.
Waka Kotahi had proposed installing a wire rope barrier, known as ‘‘a cheese grater’’, on the 1.5km stretch of road between Pegasus and Waikuku, which has an 80kph speed limit, as part of the proposed safety improvements.
‘‘The feedback we received at the meeting was that people are not in favour of wire rope barriers on that stretch of road,’’ Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon said.
‘‘The residents suggested a reduction of speed and asked if that would negate the need for wire rope barriers.’’
Residents said the wire rope barrier would cause inconvenience as it would prevent them from turning and restrict access to their properties.
Gordon was drafting a letter in support of the request, with input from his fellow councillors and Woodend-Sefton Community Board chairperson Shona Powell.
He said similar concerns had been raised by residents and business owners located between Woodend and Pine Acres, Kaiapoi, to the south.
‘‘Ultimately what will make a difference is a [Woodend] bypass.’’
Caygill said the meeting was a good chance to hear the specific concerns of concerned residents.
He said several issues were raised, including power pole positions, driveway access points, speed and the necessity of the wire rope barrier.
‘‘Their concerns are being fed back to the project team as we continue work on the design for SH1 Saltwater Creek to Cam River.’’
Robbie Brine said he had attended 11 road deaths on SH1 between Smith St, Kaiapoi, and Saltwater Creek, north of the Ashley River, in his capacity as a police officer.
‘‘I don’t like the cheese graters. They may save lives, but with the aesthetics and the inconvenience they cause, it’s just not worth it.’’
He said reducing the speed limit would add only ‘‘a few seconds to a car journey’’, while saving lives.
Deputy mayor Neville Atkinson said he was opposed to both options.
‘‘We’re not going to solve it with a band aid. We need to find a real solution.’’
Waimakariri District Council roading manager Joanne McBride said it would be difficult to enforce a 60kph speed limit as the 1.5km
stretch of road was through a rural area.
Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.
Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.
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64.2% Yes
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33.4% No
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2.4% Other - I'll share below
Paddy Gower seeks ‘bloody great Cantab’
The Kiwi journalist drilling deep into the country’s biggest issues is on a mission to find the local greats.
Paddy Gower is looking for the Good Kiwi in every region to feature in his show, The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour.
To nominate a Good Kiwi, email reporters@press.co.nz with the name and a description of why your nominee should win. You an also share the local issues you think Paddy needs to tackle in the comments below.
It could be the woman whose knitting circle has made 3800 items for victims of domestic violence, the guy running the length of Aotearoa for mental health, or the woman with terminal cancer who spends her time campaigning to raise awareness and save lives.
“Basically I am looking for ... a bloody great Cantab who just gets on and gets things done. The criteria is somebody who has a positive attitude and makes the community a better place," Gower said.
“I will give this person the 'Big Ups' they deserve, and the community can celebrate them with me.”
A Good Kiwi will feature in each of Gower’s live shows in 14 centres through November and December. He will name the Cantabrian Good Kiwi at his Christchurch show on the evening of Friday, November 22, at St Margaret’s College.
The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour is a sort of book tour, sort of stand-up comedy, some journalistic yarns and memoir, and some motivational speaking - with a fair bit of local in each show.
Gower also wants to know about topics of interest in the region.
“I’m ... going to be taking on a big issue facing Canterbury and offering up solutions.”
A stinky suburb, a neighbourhood needing a round-about or a cathedral in disrepair - “I will make your views count”, he said.
“I'm touring the nation to spread positivity, optimism and good vibes.”
*For tickets to the The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour visit paddygower.co.nz
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