Suzanne Williams

I am surprised to read that despite a beautiful and expensive raised crossing at the Goulstone Road/Crete Street intersection and a nice new path across the park by the redwoods, another two crossings were being considered for Goulstone Road, with one being approved by Whakatāne District Council.

Another road, Salonika Street, which is quiet, has a raised crossing at its intersection with Douglas Street. Why?  

When I cross there, fairly frequently, there would not be one time in 10 that I would encounter another vehicle. And there is another crossing at the King Street end of this quiet street.

I need to make a plea on behalf of many gallant older people (often having led previously very physical lives as sportsmen or hikers or just hard workers) who are now dis- or semi-abled but are determined to keep moving.  

Some are reaching the end of their driving days; some are riding mobility scooters; others just walk as much as possible. I have encountered a few trying to figure out how to cross one road – Commerce Street.

Commerce Street is a major road and a major issue. This screams to me as the most under-crossed and under-served major and dangerous thoroughfare in the town.  

The traffic is thick, usually up to speed; it is lined with many thriving commercial businesses – and very difficult to access for walkers and motor-scooters, as there are no crossings in the full length of it, from Gorge Road to The Strand. Incredible.

I have travelled this street, from the Gorge Road roundabout to The Strand, across the minimal crossing, then along the horrible bumpy footpath on the Countdown side, along to the roundabout at the intersection of McAlister and Commerce streets, where there is no way for a poor pedestrian wanting to cross Commerce Street to head for the Aquatic Centre.  

To do this, you must travel even worse-kept footpaths, and some vehicle businesses seem convinced that the footpaths are part of their properties and they may park there.  

Then, at last, I can cross by a substandard dangerous crossing into Goulstone Road, whether I want to go there or not. By that time, you have lost your appetite for a swim and go home for a nice cup of tea and a lie-down.

Regarding the crossings, there is no doubt they are very beautiful and very expensive, however, what is the need for making all of them raised? If the purpose is to slow traffic, it is my experience that Whakatāne traffic is one of the most courteous in this country, and slows, anyway, sometimes unnecessarily.  

I would also like to know the difference in cost and efficacy between a zebra pedestrian crossing, and the red ones.

I am of the serious opinion that a council purchase of a second-hand motor scooter for the compulsory use of councillors to drive around some of the older streets, would be money well spent.

Then they may reach an appreciation of the difficulties encountered – and also some of the joys.

Please take a good look at Commerce Street, before any well-served other locations.