Ask an expert


Brian001

This is about crossings where there is a refuge area in the middle . The road code only recognises this when the ground level is raised in the "refuge" .

http://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/roadcode/about-other-road-users/sharing-road-with-pedestrians.html

In times gone by the surface might have been raised in the refuge area, but nowadays they all seem to be level with the road. I assume this is to prevent a trip hazard for pedestrians and facilitate wheelchairs, prams etc. It makes sense. But it seems the road code has not kept up and so even when there is a well fenced refuge area, if you don't stop for folks on the other side, you are breaking the law. I am wondering if this will be sorted out by a change in wording in the road code as the intent seems now to be at odds with the wording. Could AA possibly make a representation on this issue? Or have I got this wrong somewhere? Thanks.

markstockdale

The reference to ‘raised’ in the road code is to the ‘traffic’ island, not the surface the pedestrian is standing on. An island in the road means there are in effect two crossings with the zebra markings stopping each side of the island (as shown in the second illustration), in which case you only have to stop for pedestrians on the crossing on your side of the road. There shouldn’t be any roads with pedestrians refuges where the crossing markings continue through them, in effect creating one crossing where you must give way to pedestrians on any part. But if you do know of any examples like this, email the location details to aatech@aa.co.nz