Ask Phoebe: Parnell Station on track this year

It is hoped that Parnell Station will be open for use by the end of the year. Photo / Sarah Ivey

$6m site to feature historic building from Newmarket.

Q: When is the Parnell Train Station expected to be open (i.e. with trains picking up and dropping off passengers)? Auckland Transport's website seems very vague. Niki Bailey, Auckland.

It is hoped that Parnell Station will be open for use by the end of the year.

A story in the Herald, written by Mathew Dearnaley, informed us that Auckland Transport is now backing a "basic" $6 million two-platform facility, after cutting a footbridge and other features from a plan previously priced at $18.9 million.

It will stand out from others on the rail network, as its site in the gully between Cheshire St and Auckland Domain will also become the final resting place of Newmarket Station's old 1908 building, which is in storage.

Earthworks have begun at the site and are expected to be completed by August.

Q: Could you please tell me who has the right of way? There is a road opposite my driveway that has a stop sign at the end. If I'm coming out of my driveway turning right and someone is coming from the opposite street turning left, who has the right of way? Paula Bol, Auckland.

You do. In this instance your driveway may be treated as a road, and as the opposing driver is on a stop sign, he/she must wait for you to move off before turning.

Q: I have noticed lately when driving on the open road that vehicles wanting to turn right no longer pull over to the side of the road and wait until the road is clear before making the turn. They sit in the middle of the road and cars are forced to pass on the inside. Have we forgotten this basic rule or does it no longer apply? Guinny Sorensen, Auckland.

There seems to be no hard and fast rule, but the Road Code has the following to say:

When making a right turn from the left-hand side of the road, if there are other vehicles moving fast or following too closely, or if the road is narrow, it may be best to wait on the left-hand side of the road to make the turn, rather than stopping in the middle of the road.

In this situation:

• Signal left for at least three seconds.
• Move across to the left-hand side of the road.
• Wait there until it is safe to turn.
• Signal right for at least three seconds before you turn.
• Move when it is safe.
• If a vehicle in front of you has also stopped to turn right, it's best to wait.

Tell us
Do you have a question for Phoebe? It can be about transport or any Auckland issue. Email askphoebe@nzherald.co.nz