Driver seeks crossing ruling after near miss

When is a pedestrian crossing not a pedestrian crossing? Answer: When it doesn't feature the trademark white zebra lines giving walkers the right of way.

That's the answer Hastings man Lance Mackie wanted to hear from the Hastings District Council following his near-miss on Karamu Rd recently.

Mr Mackie was driving towards Hastings city when he spotted a woman and three children attempting to cross from Video Ezy towards The Warehouse.

"I just saw them out of the corner of my eye walking on to the crossing and they just kept coming. I had to slam on my anchors and just missed them.

"It looks like a pedestrian crossing there but there are no markings, so it can't be," Mr Mackie said.

"The lady thought it was and really had a go at me and so there must be others who think it is a pedestrian crossing as well. I've heard there have been a lot of near-misses."

Mr Mackie said he wanted the council to say whether it was a pedestrian crossing and, if it was not, a sign be put up informing people.

The council's transport manager Jag Pannu said it was an informal pedestrian crossing.

"It gives pedestrians extra protection and ease when crossing the road by providing a central refuge, however, it does not give pedestrian priority over vehicles as a zebra crossing does," Mr Pannu said.

This particular crossing placed the responsibility on pedestrians to assess when a suitable gap in traffic existed which would allow them to cross safely.

"The driver of the approaching vehicle also has a responsibility to slow down when sighting people either crossing or waiting to cross the road. They may commence crossing without having noticed an approaching vehicle," Mr Pannu said. "There are many facilities of this nature in the Hastings district and drivers are urged to remain vigilant and courteous to pedestrians."