Western Bay of Plenty police are concerned more motorists are flouting traffic light rules – a fear backed up by findings of intersection watch carried out by The Weekend Sun.

The studies were carried out during morning peak hour times at the Totara Street and Hewletts Road intersection and at Cameron Road and 11th Avenue.

Some of the motorists caught by The Weekend Sun camera at Totara Street and Hewletts Road intersection and at Cameron Road and 11th Avenue. Photos by Tracy Hardy.

In only 30 minutes, 32 vehicles were seen running red or amber lights at the Totara Street and Hewletts Road intersection, roughly one breach every minute.
Of the motorists snapped, 25 ignored an amber light and seven went through a red light.
Officer in charge of Western Bay of Plenty road policing Acting Senior Sergeant Mike Owen, says the results are very concerning.
Fewer motorists flouted the rules at 11th Avenue and Cameron Road intersection, with 21 in total caught during a one hour period.
Of those caught, 18 ignored an amber light and three went through a red light.
Mike is concerned many Western Bay motorists think an amber light is a signal to slow down.
'It doesn't mean slow down. It means stop. People are pushing the envelope a bit when it's turning amber.
'It means stop if you can safely do so, but people are taking that as a slow down.”
Mike says police have noticed an increase in traffic light breaches as winter approaches.
'People seem to be in a bit more of a hurry. Morning is a bad time for it.
'Motorists need to plan their route so they give themselves more time to get to their destination.
'They won't be so rushed when they are coming up to a light and won't feel they have to beat it.”
Police are preparing to start their own intersection campaigns in the region.
They will target various intersections across Tauranga, issuing $150 fines to any motorist caught breaking the rules.
The Weekend Sun study would have netted $7950 for the government if those motorists were all caught by police.
'If someone is really trying to rush that amber or red light, there are serious consequences. It could mean serious injury or possibly a death.”