Give way rule consultation begins

Is it time to get rid of our confusing give way rules?

Public consultation has started on the Government's proposed changes to the give way rules.

Transport Minister Steven Joyce has previously announced the proposed changes, and said today the current give way rules were confusing and out of step with the rest of the world.

"Research shows changing the rules could reduce relevant intersection crashes by 7 per cent," he said.

Currently, if a vehicle is turning left it has to give way to right turning traffic coming toward it.

The change would reverse this, so the left turning vehicle would have right of way.

Changes are also planned to the rule for T-intersections.

This rule applies when there are conflicting right turns at a T-intersection.

Currently, the right turning vehicle on the terminating road - the base of the T - has priority over right turning traffic on the through road - the top of the T.

The change will require traffic from an uncontrolled terminating road to give way to traffic on a through road.

Mr Joyce said an extensive education campaign would be carried out to ensure drivers were aware of the new rules before any changes came into force.

The public can make submissions here.

- NZPA