From the Mayor

Something awful happened in South Wairarapa just recently.  I’m referring to the horrific car smash at the intersection of State Highway 53 and Bidwills Cutting Road which saw local girl Mackenzie Paton fighting for her life in hospital.
Whenever bad things like this happen we naturally want explanations as to why and assurances that the cause will be fixed.  Sometimes those explanations are elusive and in this case questions are being asked about the layout of the intersection.  Does signage hinder the sight lines and can it be redesigned to make it safer?
 
Since the accident many stories of near misses or less serious incidents are surfacing, all adding weight to the need for change.  As the intersection is part of the State Highway network it is under the control of the New Zealand Transport Agency.  Locals have approached Council however seeking support.
 
We feel that the first, most urgent change needed is for the ‘Give Way’ to be replaced with a compulsory ‘Stop’ sign.  Council is strongly lobbying NZTA for this to happen as quickly as possible.  ‘Stop’ signs must be gazetted however and this does have a statutory process which must be followed.  We have also requested that the location of the directional signage is evaluated to ensure it does not impinge on drivers’ ability to see approaching traffic.
 
Please be assured that your Council is working hard for you to get a resolution as quickly as possible.  For the moment though I’m sure that all the community join me in sending ‘get well’ wishes to Mackenzie as she inches toward recovery.