Traffic issues abound in Tauranga generally because every time NZTA and TCC get involved, it becomes an expensive, time-consuming, unmitigated disaster!

The two-lane Welcome Bay underpass is a pitiful 120m in length yet has taken four plus years, costing $50 million. The Turret Road/15th Avenue widening and the new Hairini Bridge still to come is estimated at $50 million – the whole system won't work without these.

The Takitimu Drive/Elizabeth Street intersection fiasco has been running for years, but still no moveable stop-go lights installed which would cost virtually zilch.

The Wairoa Bridge and Katikati bypass issues still have no tangible solutions.

Failures to add in free left turns on all major thoroughfares defies belief – once again cost is comparatively zilch.

Recently at 4.15pm one Friday it took 45 minutes to travel from 15th Avenue to Te Maunga Junction. I counted 12 articulated trucks travelling 800m from Te Maunga to Bayfair.

Non-essential trucks should only be permitted on roads between 7pm-7am, all drivers who freeze at the wheel at roundabouts etc. should be re-educated, school drop-offs should be stopped, and free urban school bus services should be brought back immediately. Addressing these issues, along with holding TCC and NZTA fully accountable, will help address the traffic mayhem.

R Paterson, Matapihi.