Letters to the Editor: Tauranga's Cameron Rd works heading for a 'shambles'

Roadworks on Cameron Rd. Photo / George Novak

Tauranga seems to be spending a fortune on publicity concerning the major restructuring of Cameron Rd - including a brochure.

It's almost as if the council is still trying to convince itself of how wonderful it is.

My prediction is that it will be a disaster, principally because the plan is trying to be all things to all people instead of what our forefathers designed – a wide commuter facility.

The numerous traffic lights mean bus lanes will not be effective in reducing commuter time.

How will Cameron Rd motorists turning left at lights interact with cyclists? We have this farce at Tauranga Bridge Marina lights wherein left-turning traffic must wait for up to a minute for a green arrow even though there are no cyclists for miles on either side of the lights.

Since Christmas, at quiet times at both Elizabeth St lights, I have three times experienced having to wait while the green phasing provided for non-existent traffic on the intersecting street.

If the council can't programme these lights efficiently, what chance do we have with the many additional lights?

My prediction is just like the Greerton fiasco, Tauranga citizens with be left with a shambles.

Bill Capamagian
Tauranga

Don't blame the banks

As a mortgage broker of nearly 20 years' experience in Rotorua, I read with interest an article about the time it takes for banks to assess a home loan application (News, January 8).

Someone stated 30 days, another 27 days, and how banks require so much information and are declining more loans. I haven't had the same experience.

Any new conditions the banks are imposing - including making it virtually impossible for people with less than 20 per cent deposit to get a home loan - are
Government-imposed.

As for time to get a loan approved, I find the maximum is usually 7-10 days.

I believe it comes down to presenting the loan correctly, having all relevant information, including knowing what paperwork each bank requires.

Yes, it is more difficult to get a loan, but that is due to the lack of supply, and the ridiculous price of homes.

Don't blame the banks.

I hope this balances out some of the negative information about banks.

Perry Bell
Rotorua

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