The training wheels remain on in downtown Katikati as people get used to improved traffic flow and pedestrian safety owing to the town's first traffic lights.
NZTA state highway manager Rod James says Katikati residents seem pleased with the lights since their installation in March, but it will take some time before "old habits" are overcome.

Katikati's first traffic light is designed to improve safety and traffic flow.

These include motorists slowing when they see a pedestrian waiting to cross - irrespective of the lights being green, and pedestrians needing to learn to stand on the pavement in the right place.
"They need to remain standing on the yellow pads. The pads are weight sensitive so if they move away from the pads the pedestrian waiting signal will be cancelled,'' says Rod.
The signal is initially activated by pressing the button.
The lights cost $162,000 of which Western Bay of Plenty District Council contributed $16,000.