Red zone roundabout rabbits cause traffic worry

A large passing truck shows the safety concerns many people have for those wishing to cross the busy intersection to see the rabbits. Photo / Christchurch Star

Rabbits living on a roundabout in the red zone have motorists hopping mad.

About 20 black rabbits have been spotted at the busy junction of Anzac Drive, New Brighton and Travis Rds.

They have attracted an audience, with motorists driving slowly to look at them and others parking up and crossing the road to get to the roundabout.

Motorists say the junction has now become dangerous and have posted their concerns on the People's Independent Republic of New Brighton Facebook page.

One resident saw a woman take three children across to the roundabout, while another mentioned several motorists driving as slow as 30km/h to get a glimpse of the rabbits.

Transport for Christchurch posted a video on its Facebook page of the rabbits with a safety message.

"While it might seem like a good idea to take your children to see the roundabout rabbits, the safest way to do this is to point them out as you drive past," the message said.

"It is not a good idea to take them across the road onto the roundabout. We all know how unpredictable young children can be when over-excited, this could also endanger the rabbits and scare them into running on to the road. This is a state highway and heavily used by large trucks."

An Environment Canterbury spokeswoman said it has received a number of calls about the issue.

"While it is not our responsibility but the landowners, it is a situation we can help get resolved," she said.

"With this in mind, we have contacted the New Zealand Transport Agency, which we understand is looking into control options to reduce the risk."