New proposal for Ohakune traffic problem

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 540, 14 June 1994, Page 5

New proposal for Ohakune traffic problem

A new proposal to alleviate Ohakune' s Clyde - Goldfinch Streets traffic problem came out of last week's retailers' meeting, which is to be put to the Ruapehu District Council

next week. There was objection to the original proposal to make a no-right-turn restriction out of Goldfinch Street. The latest proposal would see a no-parking area

from Berry's Bookshop to the corner on both sides of the road, and three lanes from there to the corner. This would allow one lane leading towards the mountain and two lanes, one for

left turning and one for turning right, out of Goldfinch Street and into Clyde Street. Two parking spaces would be lost from the western side of the street and three from the eastern side.

Also proposed are large yellow cross-hatched areas at the supermarket carpark entrance and the fire station to indicate to motorists not to stop on these areas so they are left clear for other traffic. Waimarino police sergeant Bob Evans said he was concerned mainly about access for emergency vehicles in the area during times when traffic is congested in the area, and about safety of pedestrians. He said the complaints about congestion were in-

variably from locals. Other options which had been mooted were: using a points duty officer in peak times; a part time traffic warden to stop double parking; and the use of portable temporary traffic lights.

Sgt Evans said the police would be making recommendations but that it should be the community's decision. The council has the final say on whether the proposal goes ahead.