Police are urging the public to slow down around roadworks, following numerous reports of high-risk driving on the Albany Highway.
Auckland Transport are carrying out roadworks, which are scheduled to be completed in 2017. Several parts of the road have a temporary 30k per hour speed limit, which are clearly signposted.
Despite this, drivers appear to be ignoring the lowered speed limit and are travelling at high speeds through the roadworks.
“This poor driving behaviour is putting the safety of the roadworkers at risk. It only takes one mishap at high speed and someone could be injured or killed. The people working here are simply earning a living and they shouldn’t be put at unnecessary risk just because someone is running late, is annoyed at the road works, or simply chooses to ignore the lowered speed limit” says Snr Sgt Brett Campbell-Howard, Waitemata Police.
Police have been and will continue to carry out daily speed enforcement in the area until the roadworks are complete.
“Recently, we issued 39 speed infringement notices in just two hours in that area. We caught someone who was driving at 79 k’s per hour through the 30k zone” says Snr Sgt Campbell-Howard.
“Even more concerning are those drivers who have been overtaking in dangerous circumstances to pass those motorists who are abiding by the speed limit – the lowered speed limit is there to keep our road free of death and serious injury and anyone travelling along this road can expect to see Police at anytime”.
Auckland Transport’s contractor Fulton Hogan has even mounted a “Dad works here’”billboard campaign (picture attached) in an attempt to slow the traffic. The signs have received favourable comments from concerned local residents and parents whose children attend four schools along the almost 4km route.
“The traffic can get pretty bad with impatient drivers hooning through the site. All our team deserve to get home safe to our families every night” says Mr Cain.
Police urge anyone who witnesses unsafe driving behaviour to report it to *555 or call 111 in an emergency.
ENDS
Beth Bates/Waitemata Police
