Get moving: Will Royal Oak roundabout get an upgrade?

Q: The approach to Royal Oak roundabout from Mt Albert has two lanes leading in but only one lane exiting to Mt Smart Rd. This causes a lot of confusion and near-misses. Regular users stay in the inside lane, with the outside lane used for traffic going to Campbell and Manukau roads. This could be improved by painting directional arrows on the road. Is this proposed as part of the roading upgrade in Royal Oak? Bryan Cameron, Three Kings.

A: It seems that you are doing it right at the moment. It is a requirement under the Traffic Control Devices Rule that lanes be marked with arrows on the approaches, to direct motorists into the correct lanes. Some of these have already been done at Royal Oak (I have had this letter rather a long time), with additional markings to be made next month. There will be a media release to tell people about the changes and to help them use the roundabout safely.

Q: What is the reason for the recent changes in font style on numberplates? I think the previous font was more legible. Bob Walch, Auckland.

A: The change was made in March, when newly registered vehicles were issued with the new-look plates, with the broader typeface. Land Transport NZ, which issues the plates, says the change was made to foil those with a criminal bent. Apparently it was possible, with the older style, to cut letters out and stick them on to other plates to create a new plate - literally a cut-and-paste exercise. This can't be done successfully with the new style. LTNZ also feels the new font is easier to read.

Q: People turning right from Trig Rd into Hobsonville Rd can have a hard time. Are there plans to add traffic islands for easier and safer crossing at peak times? Jonathan Gravit, Herne Bay.

A: Short answer? No. Construction on the Hobsonville section of the Upper Harbour Motorway (State Highway 18) is to start this year, and will include an interchange at Trig Rd. The motorway will provide an alternative route to Hobsonville Rd, and cut traffic on the latter. Meantime, the flush median on Hobsonville Rd allows motorists to turn right from Trig Rd and merge safely with traffic on Hobsonville Rd.