Ask Phoebe: Swerving across busy road is a no-no

File photo / Hawke's Bay Today

I frequently drive along Bond St in a northwest direction towards Grey Lynn/Ponsonby. To cross into Grosvenor St, you have to do a left swerve into and across Great North Rd, which has a no right turn sign into Grosvenor St.

I feel I am technically on Great North Rd, even though it is only for a moment. It is a lights-controlled intersection and there is no risk in doing the swerve but is it legal to cross Great North Rd in this way?
Cath Tizard, Herne Bay.

I went for a look, even though I know this intersection well. It is not legal to cross in this way to Grosvenor St, because of the no right turn sign. I tried the manoeuvre and felt a bit vulnerable turning across the city-bound lanes.

The safest and most legitimate option is to turn right on to Great North Rd and take the next left into Beaconsfield St, or turn left into Great North Rd from Bond St and then right into Elgin St.

I live in a relatively quiet cul-de-sac in Half Moon Bay. The noise problem is twofold. It comes not from below but from above.

We are under the flight path for the airport and the planes coming in to land often pass directly overhead. I have no problem with that as they are cruising and the noise levels are quite low.

The problem is because someone, in their wisdom, has decreed the out-path will be the same as the in-path and we are subject to considerable engine noise as the planes power up to gain altitude. Why do they no longer turn over the Manukau Harbour as before where the noise disturbance is minimal? This affects not just us but a large number of people in the Howick and Clevedon areas as well.

The second problem is noise from helicopters and small planes passing over. One helicopter is particularly noisy and passes overhead many times a day. The noise is so loud it is sometimes difficult to hear people speaking. What rules govern aircraft regarding height and path or are there any? In the cases above, it seems open slather.
Colin Philps, Half Moon Bay.

A (now retired) senior pilot of my acquaintance tells me that aircraft must take off and land into the wind so the initial flight direction depends on the wind direction.

After takeoff, air traffic controllers direct aircraft away from the city to minimise danger and disruption to citizens below. But this can only happen if the wind conditions are acceptable to the pilot as he or she has the final say.

The rules governing altitude of aircraft above land are set by the Civil Aviation Authority and are very strict.

All aircraft (and this includes police and rescue helicopters) must stay above 1000ft (305m) over built-up areas and 152.5m over rural areas, unless they have a valid reason for being lower for which they require permission.

A quick look at the map suggests the helicopter that is annoying you may be the Westpac Rescue one on its way to or from Waiheke Island or Coromandel, where it does a lot of work, or perhaps the police helicopter.