Re: The construction of the Te Puna roundabout.

I have read recent comments by the New Zealand Transport Agency's Highways Manager Niclas Johansson lauding the praises of the new Te Puna roundabout.

I take issue with some of his facts. I've lived out this way most of my life. Now I might be wrong but I don't remember the last time anyone was killed at this intersection.

I'm not saying it hasn't happened. The issue I have is Mr Johansson's spin on how this project will save lives.

It might save lives in the future and help prevent a few crashes but nothing a set of traffic lights couldn't fix.

Sure, there's been a few incidents over the years. However, I can't for the life of me see how this intersection has got priority over the Omokoroa intersection.

This project – more like debacle – will benefit a few hundred over the thousands that use the Omokoroa intersection.

And the fact that the Tauranga West Rd will revert to Western Bay of Plenty District Council control – just like the Te Puke road – I would like Mr Johansson to justify the money spent on the Te Puna Project.

Now as for his comments regarding the time delays. I'm sorry Mr Johansson but you are once again vastly wrong!

Try almost two hours to get from Mount Maunganui to Omokoroa on May 5 – this isn't uncommon – and please Mr Johansson can you justify the traffic build-ups that can begin as far out as Apata and all the way back to town? And I would also like to mention the losses of all the shops in the area. Are they to be compensated?

K Balfour, Whakamarama.

NZTA was offered a right of reply but did not respond to The Weekend Sun.