NICK.BROOK@cluthaleader.co.nz
A Clinton father is concerned authorities will not act in time to prevent hazardous truck-driving causing a tragedy.
Fraser Leslie says complaints of heavy vehicles cutting corners on to footpaths have not been acted on and the dangerous activity continues.
‘‘Trucks are constantly driving over kerbs and corners all over town,’’ Mr Leslie said.
‘‘And a lot of the time they’re going pretty fast. It’s endangering lives and damaging infrastructure.’’
‘‘There’s talk about upgrading roading around Clinton — at the ratepayers’ expense — but no-one’s interested in doing anything about the behaviour that’s damaging it.’’
Mr Leslie, who is a agricultural contractor with heavy vehicle experience, pointed out four sites where trucks had left the road, damaging areas where pedestrians would expect to be safe.
‘‘I know there’s pressure on drivers but the whole point is to do it safely . . . besides dangerous, it’s unprofessional.’’
Road Transport Logistics Ltd (RTL) Clinton operations manager Bruce Robertson said RTL had acknowledged Mr Leslie’s complaint in March and put in a service request for road markings and signage as well as reminding drivers of their responsibilities.
‘‘I support [Mr Leslie’s] concerns . . . Our depot and Clinton itself is a stopping point for trucks from a lot of different businesses, but we are disappointed if a minority of our drivers are driving poorly,’’ Mr Robertson said.
‘‘Our vehicles have GPS tracking, so if we are supplied clear details of truck and time we can identify drivers and manage it in-house.’’ Clutha District Council service delivery group manager Jules Witt said the council planned to install a give way sign at the intersection of Mill and Halsey Sts this month.
‘‘I’m not aware of being notified of other locations suffering the same issue,’’ Mr Witt said.
‘‘Infrastructure is designed to facilitate traffic and pedestrians but can’t prevent individual drivers’ abuse, so it’s necessary for witnesses to report offences to the police,’’ he said.
The council manages most of the district’s road infrastructure, while Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is responsible for SH1.
‘‘I think in the circumstances where a person is concerned at poor driving or excessive speeds, if you can get the number plate and report it to the NZ Police, that is the best course of action as the law enforcement organisation. If the driver belongs to a company-branded truck or vehicle, contact that company and register a complaint with them,’’ a Waka Kotahi spokesperson said.
In some areas the Clinton community had resorted to placing large rocks on corners, while road-cones placed on others had simply been run over.
‘‘It’s a pretty strong indication of what happens when a truck hits something,’’ Mr Leslie said of the mangled road cone in Mill St.
‘‘And we teach our kids the footpath is safe.’’
