Reckless drivers spark children safety fears

Brenda Batchelor is happy about the Nixon St upgrade, but worried about drivers' behaviour while the roadworks are happening. Photo / Michael Cunningham

A concerned resident is pleading with drivers to take more care around the Nixon St roadworks as she fears for her children's safety.

Brenda Batchelor, who lives near the corner of Hatea Dr and Nixon St, said drivers were being irresponsible.

"You take your life in your hands doing down there," she said.

"It's really dangerous."

Nixon St and part of Hatea Dr has been closed to non-residents since February as part of the first stage of a project to expand the road to four lanes.

Until the roads open again in mid-June drivers are being encouraged to use Kamo Rd, Mill Rd, Parahaki St, Mair St and Hatea Dr as detours.

However, many drivers taking the detours were forgetting residents were driving out from the closed section of road, Ms Batchelor said.

"They think that we've left the country, but we haven't."

As a result Ms Batchelor constantly had drivers not looking and pulling out in front of her.

"They are not doing anything right," she said.

"The peak times are the worst."

However, Ms Batchelor said once the road was fixed it was going to be worth it.

Northland police spokeswoman Sarah Kennett said there had been 13 crashes in the area since work started.

"As there are traffic diversions in place with road closures motorists need to be aware that there will be more traffic on roads in the area and be patient while driving," she said.

"Slow down and take care, be aware of other road users and pedestrians."