AA backs concrete

The Automobile Association says a planned $15.2 million wire rope barrier on a notorious stretch of road north of Wellington will not be safe enough and a concrete barrier should be built.

Transit New Zealand announced the plan for Centennial Highway in November after a 700m trial section was installed a year earlier.

But now the AA says a concrete barrier is needed, rather than a wire one.

"For 24,000 vehicles a day, 12 per cent of which are commercial, Transit standards require a concrete barrier," said AA central regional manager Brian Roberts.

"This would also be compulsory in all European Union countries."