A few weeks ago an elderly neighbour of ours, whose attitude toward driving is as responsible as anyone I know, suffered a wee lapse of concentration in the restricted speed area intended to ensure safety for Pukepoto School pupils.
He was issued a speeding offence noticefor exceeding the limit there of 70km/h by only a few km/h.
He was somewhat disappointed in himself, but accepted the ticket as due reward for the misdemeanour.
This man resides in Korora Street, Ahipara, which, along with Kakapo and Takahe Streets, has long been a venue for riders of a variety of quad bikes and motorcycles who have absolutely no regard for speed limits, the safety of law-abiding road users nor any concern for the excessive noise that is generated.
They wheel-stand, slalom, carry infants on their petrol tanks or in front-mounted fish bins, and it is not uncommon to see up to five persons on one machine. Very few wear safety helmets. Korora Park children's playground is adjacent.
The first week of the current school holidays saw numbers of juveniles join the ranks of those riding different sizes and types, standard, modified and miniature, of unregistered, non-warranted machines. Some are children probably as young as five years.
Neither we nor our neighbour have ever observed anyone being spoken to or having a ticket issued to them, despite often having seen a police patrol vehicle in the general area of the dangerous and illegal behaviour.
It would be some comfort if records were able to prove otherwise, although if they did, then it is obvious that whatever is being done is sadly ineffective, and requires serious review. Ahipara's streets provide a training ground for future killer drivers.
The question must be asked. How far must this blatant law-breaking escalate before it becomes as serious as the single out of character misdemeanour by a person with an otherwise unblemished driving record?
