After much thought I feel it necessary to make some comments publicly in regards to the tragic death of Alan Kappley while riding his scooter about two weeks ago.
As the van was between him and the parked police car Mr Kappley would have been unable to see it until the van driver moved out and around the police car, and by then he would not have had enough time to avoid the collision with it. Even the cycle lane was not an escape route as this would have been at least partially blocked by the police car.
Three days later I was rather astounded to see a police car parked, completely blocking the cycle lane 1.5 kilometres further north on Maunganui Road. The officer was speaking to a motorist parked legally and parallel to the curb. I did note that there was plenty of kerbside parking space available in close proximity.
I am of the opinion that a law change is imperative and urgent: making it illegal for anyone to ignore messages given by roadside markings put there for safety reasons.
The only exception should be in a dire emergency where suitable warning signs are placed so that they are prominently visible to all road users, and that this is done beforehand.

Barry H Walker, Mt Maunganui.