Letter to the Editor

 

Car park dangers

It may be time to look at closing off the four car parks in front of the Village Four Square due to the dangers increasingly being imposed on passing traffic and pedestrians. 

With the increase in both vehicles and people it has become very busy and cars turning from Insley Street have been caught out by others waiting in Moir Street to move into a vacated park with numerous near rear-end misses. 

When leaving one of these parks it can also be very difficult to see oncoming traffic from the direction of the police station, especially if parked beside larger vehicles. Many close shaves have occurred when backing into oncoming traffic.

Compounding the problem, when turning from Insley Street or coming straight through from the direction of the Domain, the morning sunrise provides a strong glare in the face from that front-on direction.

There are sufficient car parks in the vicinity for those using this shopping precinct without causing undue inconvenience. The first left side space on entering the car park from Moir Street could be reserved for disabled users. A concerted effort to encourage people to use the large (free) car park in the rec centre and take a leisurely walk into the village on market days would decrease traffic woes and increase people's fitness levels – both 'feel good' improvements.

On market days the car parks opposite the library that are currently cordoned off would appear to be safer than those directly outside the Four Square.

It would add atmosphere to the 4 Square area if it was tiled and fitted with some more tables and seating, a few umbrellas (maybe a 3-piece band from time to time approved by the precinct shop owners) to create a relaxed meeting place for Mangawhai residents and visitors.

Adrian Skinner
Mangawhai