School traffic congestion raised with council | Wairarapa News | Local News in Wairarapa

Increasing numbers of caregivers dropping off and picking up children at school in the narrow, no-exit Tyne Street, in Carterton, is causing concern, prompting the principal to ask for help from the district council.

At its meeting this week, councillors acknowledged the problem with two of them, Elaine Brazendale and Jill Greathead, having experienced the traffic jams first-hand.

Mrs Brazendale said people aren't prepared to walk any distance and the motorists all try and jostle to park by the tiny school entrance.

She has spoken to the principal, Pat Gallagher, who has distributed flyers to parents asking for more co-operation and he had run out of the 40 he'd produced during one 3pm pick-up session.

In a letter to the council, Mr Gallagher suggested the southern footpath could be reduced in width and that a better turning bay be developed at the end of Tyne Street. Mayor Gary McPhee said he would speak with Mr Gallagher and report back to council officers.

Another traffic congestion problem was raised relating to large truck deliveries on the state highway around the area of Wairarapa Plumbers through to the New World supermarket.

The manager of Wairarapa Plumbers, Wayne Cooper, had written to the council asking if it would consider developing an extra car park on a site next door which the business is hoping to purchase.

Mrs Brazendale felt there was a wider issue than just a car park needed in that area of the town. She suggested a service lane through to Victoria Street would be appropriate.

Council members felt they needed to approach the business community in the vicinity to discuss access problems further.