Concern For Roadsides

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31118, 22 July 1966, Page 3

Concern For Roadsides

(New Zealand Frets Association)

WELLINGTON, July 21. The growing problem of undesirable commercial development cluttering the frontages of major New Zealand highways will be tackled by the National Roads Board.

If a special report from its director of reading (Mr J. M. Macky) is approved the board may clamp down on roadside advertising and advocate screening buildings from direct view of State highways by use of trees, shrubs and hedges.

The board decided yesterday to hold over the paper for later consideration. It approved an earlier view that it was opposed to the provision of service and rest areas on motorways. It will consider the matter again if necessary. The chairman, the Minister of Works (Mr Allen) said the battle was on for such facilities, but the board was quite definite in the opinion that they would not be allowed. Mr Macky said that in common with other countries New Zealand was encountering the problem of a growing number of roadside uses embarrassing to road controlling authorities. "The district schemes of local authorities nearly all allow the establishment of these as a conditional use in rural areas, and the problem has become one not of opposing them outright but of fixing acceptable conditions under which they become tolerable as appendages on State highway frontages,” he said.

“Such conditions are best aimed at avoiding distraction to drivers, persuading those drivers intending to stop at the roadside to drive off the road, providing safe decelerating and accelerating facilities and generally ensuring safe and pleasant conditions for motorists and propertyowners alike.” he said.

Advertising should be limited in size and number and should state the name of the establishment only. Mobile advertising and illuminated signs should not be permitted in rural areas. Buildings should be sufficiently far back from the road frontage to discourage motorists stopping and parking on the roadside.

Buildings should he screened from direct view from the State highway by trees, shrubs and hedges without detracting from driver visibility along the highway.