Ask Phoebe: Earthworks at former onramp part of SH20 connection

What is happening with the piece of land that was the southbound onramp at Manukau? Since it was closed and the new one opened, major earthworks have been going on. Also, are there plans to realign the Southern Motorway at the entrance of the new southbound onramp? Julie Dixon, South Auckland.

It's a work in progress, as are so many projects on our motorway network.

The earthworks are part of the connection from SH20 that will go under the Southern Motorway and join it heading south. The current lane layout on SH1 at Manukau is a temporary measure, and has speed restrictions for safety reasons. The final lane layout will be finished next year. The SH20-SH1 Manukau Extension project, part of the Western Ring Route, should make it easier for motorists to get to the airport.

Are there any plans to address red-light running at the Fanshawe St/Halsey St intersection? Every day I see cars run the lights, particularly citybound Fanshawe traffic turning right into Halsey. It's not much better when traffic, particularly buses heading back to the depot, run the red light as they turn into Halsey St. It's only a matter of time before there's a serious accident. Jonathan Jepson, Auckland.

There isn't a red light camera at this intersection, but the council intends to address this with the bus company and the police.

The pilot red-light camera trial in the inner-city - a joint initiative between Auckland City Council and the Police - has reduced red-light running at monitored intersections by an average of 43 per cent. Between 2002 and 2007, 689 red light crashes occurred in Auckland city.

The data evaluated red-light running rates before installation of red light camera equipment and several months after the installation of red-light camera equipment. Further analysis will be carried out later this year. At this stage, the existing red-light cameras will stay in place until at least November.

When I learnt to drive we were taught that when approaching a give way sign it was compulsory to slow down and change to second gear. Now most people seem to sail through give way signs and roundabouts at full tilt. They also get annoyed with me when I slow down.

Has the law changed? Can I now continue at full speed through roundabouts like the rest of the traffic? Barry Jury, Auckland.

It is compulsory to obey the give way rules at signs and roundabouts.

* When it comes to the Wainui motorway ramps, addressed in this column last week, it seems that I am geographically confused.

The onramp from Wainui Rd to the motorway will be southbound, towards Auckland, while the offramp from the motorway to Wainui Rd will be for vehicles travelling north. Also, only one roundabout is planned. Traffic on both the exit from the offramp and entry to the onramp will use the same roundabout.

This makes much more sense, as pointed out by Alasdair Scott, for which I thank him.