ANGRY Bay residents say Transit New Zealand has reneged on its promise to give road users a right of reply on plans for the region's busiest road.
The controversial "safe zone" plans for State Highway 2 aim to save lives by closing two passing lanes and reduce the speed limit between Omokoroa and Bethlehem from 100kmh to 80kmh.
At a public meeting at Te Puna Hall last night, 150 residents were told the plans would proceed.
Three weeks ago Transit announced it would ask for public submissions on the project before a final decision was made in next month.
Te Puna Heartlands Group chairwoman Robyn Roan said that instead of getting a chance to have their say, as they believed would happen, they were pushed around.
"Basically we were called here (the meeting) to be told what was happening, Transit never really cared what the public had to say."
She said the only reason the public was informed of what was happening was because Government regulations state that Transit must do so. She believes Transit was unmoved by the show of public opinion.
But Transit's regional asset manager, Ian Cox, said it was taking necessary steps.
"We believe speed reduction, coupled with the abolishment of passing lanes, will work at slowing people down."
However, locals are unimpressed with the move, despite the fact they have been given the chance to indicate where the 80kmh zone will start and finish.
The plans show that the 80kmh zone will start at Wairoa Marae and end at either Wainui South Rd, Francis Rd or Barrett Rd, depending on public opinion.
Regular State Highway 2 driver and Te Puna resident Stewart Strang said cutting the speed limit and axing passing lanes would not help.
"It is going to cause more problems."
It going to increase travelling times, make it harder for drivers to escape side roads and pass slow drivers, he said.
Omokoroa's Paul Guinness said the plans were a time bomb waiting to happen.
"It will increase accidents not decrease them," he said.
"The experts have not thought through the implications of what they were doing."
Caltex Whakamarama owner Colin Stewart-Rowe said it would result in drivers getting frustrated if they could not overtake.
"This will see an increased number of accidents," he said. "There will be pile up at both ends of the 80kmh zone as people try to merge."
"I see problems now with people trying to pass in turning bays - and that's with passing lanes. I can only imagine what will happen when there are no passing bays."
The consensus among locals is that major road alterations are not needed. Mrs Roan said adding a roundabout at the intersection of Te Puna Rd and State Highway 2 and the widening the Te Puna stream bridge would be beneficial.
However, former Western Bay of Plenty Mayor Maureen Anderson said the ideal situation would be for Transit to throw "safe zone" plans out the window and use the money to start constructing the four-lane highway that is promised.
Mrs Anderson said she does not understand Transit's comments about the money not being available. "It has been proposed for about 15 years."
She said the 80kmh zone is the exact opposite move that should be made considering the proposed population growth for the area in the coming years.
A number of residents also voiced their concern about State Highway 2 becoming a regular posy for the police.
Retired contractor Frank Neilson said "I will bet $1000 the cops will become permanent fixtures on the road, just so they can meet their targets."
Residents angry over SH2 'safe zone' decision
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