Media statement | 16 February 2005

New road rules coming soon

New traffic rules for pedestrian crossings, cycle lanes and roundabouts come into force at the end of this month as part of the Land Transport Road User Rule.

In the lead up to the new rules taking effect on 27 February, Land Transport New Zealand is running a series of full page advertisements explaining the changes in Thursday and Sunday editions of all metropolitan and provincial newspapers.

The Road UserRule requires drivers to give way to pedestrians on both sides of a pedestrian crossing, unless the crossing is divided by a raised traffic island. An average of three pedestrians are killed and over 100 are injured each year from collisions with vehicles on pedestrian crossings.

The rule also introduces nationally consistent requirements for the use of 'special vehicle lanes' such as cycle and bus lanes.

“Making pedestrian crossings and cycle lanes safer is fundamental to encouraging walking and cycling – a key part of the New Zealand Transport Strategy, ” said Director of Land Transport Wayne Donnelly.

The rule also aims to improve traffic flows, reduce congestion and prevent crashes at roundabouts by making it a legal requirement for all vehicles to signal their intentions and use the correct lane.

On average three people are killed and more than 250 are injured each year in crashes at roundabouts. One of the major contributing factors to those crashes is uncertainty – drivers being unsure of what they are supposed to do, and what others intend to do.

Mr Donnelly said the new rule would reduce driver hesitancy and confusion at roundabouts, helping to prevent crashes and make traffic flow more efficiently.

Detailed information on the Road User Rule is available at http://www.landtransport.govt.nz/road-user-safety/new-road-rules/

For more information:

Andy Knackstedt
Media Manager
Land Transport New Zealand
Ph: 04 931 8822 or 0212 763 222