It would appear that the decision by the Government of the day to amalgamate the Transport Department and the Police into one ruling body was detrimental to the enforcement of Traffic Regulations in residential areas.
Whilst the Highway Patrols are actively pursuing the miscreants on the open roads, the speed and total disregard of road rules in the built up areas continues unabated.
Recently, whilst waiting in Central Parade at the Mount, I saw seven out of eight vehicles completely ignore the compulsory stop signs at Dee Street. This happened within 20 minutes. This is but one of many such regulated intersections which leaves the question – how many others are being ignored?
Speed limits in residential areas are also being ignored.
I have followed a Hopper bus along Gravatt Road at 60kph and he was holding up the traffic.
It is becoming a rare sight to see a motorist stopped by a Police Patrol because of speed. Pick any road in Mount Maunganui and within a few minutes a speeding vehicle will pass through.
Bring back the Council Traffic Officer or increase the Police Traffic Patrols to include the residential areas. This needs attention now, not in five years time.
Young drivers are not the worst offenders.
KR Roke, Papamoa.