Residents say it may take someone being seriously injured – or worse – before Tauranga City Council acts on long-standing safety concerns near the Merivale shops on Fraser St.

Paul Griffiths, who has lived on the street for 20 years, said the situation has deteriorated over time.

“It feels like someone will have to die before the council does anything,” he said.

Merivale Community Centre office manager Gemma Cramp said some residents have stopped walking, even short distances, because of safety concerns.

“I live just down the road from here, and I will not send my kids up to the dairy to buy milk,” she said.

The road is often used as a shortcut by drivers trying to avoid Cameron Rd, creating congestion and hazardous conditions outside the community centre, Cramp said.

“You can drive a lot faster on Fraser St, and often drivers do not slow down for roundabouts.”

Merivale Community Centre general manager Dave Merton.

Merivale Community Centre general manager Dave Merton said drivers frequently cut straight through roundabouts and speed past the pedestrian crossing near the shops.

Merivale School principal Tom Paekau. Photo / George Novak

Merivale School principal Tom Pakeau said a walking school bus was introduced to help students cross Fraser St safely.

“Though there are multiple crossings, we only affect the flow of traffic once by utilising the crossing directly in front of the Merivale shops,” he said.

“Two staff members walk out onto the crossing, stop traffic, and then call students to cross. Once all students are across, the staff members walk off the crossing, and traffic can continue.”

While he believed the crossing is reasonably safe, Pakeau said traffic lights that completely stop vehicles would have been more effective and sensible.

“The school has been working with the council proactively, and they have presented several options in supporting community safety. Discussions are still taking place as well.”

Julie Underwood, who has lived across from the community centre for 40 years, had written to the council requesting safety improvements.

“You take your life in your hands when crossing the road here,” she said.

In June 2025, Underwood and Peter McTavish met Mayor Mahe Drysdale to discuss potential safety upgrades, including improved lighting at the intersection of Merivale and Fraser streets.

“He really listened to us,” Underwood said.

Merivale resident Peter McTavish has approached Tauranga City Council asking to install traffic lights near the Merivale Community Centre.

McTavish, who uses an electric wheelchair, said cars often failed to stop when he tried to cross the road. “It is dangerous,” he said.

McTavish had also contacted the council directly to advocate for the installation of traffic lights at the intersection.

There are three pedestrian crossings and two roundabouts at the Merivale shops, acting manager of safety and sustainability Karen Hay said.

“Two of these crossings were added in early 2025 to improve accessibility, following community concerns and a prioritised investigation in late 2024.”

The crossings support safe access for the school and community centre, Hay said.

“Pedestrian crossings are a common safety feature across New Zealand, giving pedestrians priority over vehicles.”

She said signalised crossings were not chosen in this area in order to balance traffic flow with safety outcomes.

The crossings are located within a low-speed zone designed for 30km/h, with actual approach speeds averaging around 43km/h. “Significantly lower than busier areas like Fraser Street and 13th Avenue.”

This environment supports safe pedestrian movement, Hay said.

“Our assessment confirms that the current pedestrian crossings are appropriate, based on the earlier investigation and the area’s traffic conditions.”

If residents raise road safety concerns, the council investigates and develops plans which are prioritised across the city within available funding, she said.

“When prioritising projects, we consider factors such as traffic volume, pedestrian demand, road safety and proximity to key destinations like shopping centres and schools.”

Traffic calming measures are assessed based on road safety risk, traffic volume and demand, Hay said.

According to Hay, the Merivale shopping area is considered a low-volume area during peak traffic times. Drivers will utilise various routes to manage travel times to and from key destinations, she said.

“Fraser St is also a key transport corridor for the city. Council is undertaking an investigation currently to look at how these routes can be optimised through the arterial route review project.”

Hay said the council was looking forward to working with residents to alleviate their concerns.