Police issue warning over give way problems

File photo / NZ Herald

Drivers confused about the new give way rules are causing havoc at an intersection in south Auckland.

Authorities in Manurewa have identified the intersection of Hill Rd and Grande Vue Rd as problematic due to the high number of incidents since the law changed at 5am on Sunday.

Counties Manukau road policing manager Heather Wells said the police were monitoring the intersection, which had the most trouble in the mornings.

"There are three constables at the intersection in the morning. They begin at 6.30am and remain for the height of the traffic, finishing around 10am."

According to Mrs Wells, motorists coming up Hill Rd and turning left at the give-way intersection were not following the new rules.

"It is not an uncontrolled intersection. When turning left into Grand Vue, drivers must give way to oncoming traffic, including those turning right because they are at a give-way sign."

Mrs Wells added that drivers turning left seemed to think they had right of way, despite being at a give-way sign.

Currently, motorists who get it wrong are being given warnings rather than fines, but Mrs Wells said that would change at the end of the week.

"We are will be issuing infringements from next week to those who do not follow the rules."

Before the changes, the intersection was uncontrolled.

A give-way sign was put up requiring motorists turning left from Hill Rd into Grande Vue Rd to give way to right-turning traffic from Hill Rd to ease peak hour traffic.

Mrs Wells said before the changes there were no significant problems at the intersection.