Although signs plastered around the region with oversized pictures of local candidates are the hallmark of any good election campaign, some residents have raised concerns about the safety of a Kuripuni intersection due to hoardings allegedly blocking the visibility of oncoming traffic.
The site in question – where Dixon St, South Rd, High St, and Queen St meet – has been approved by Masterton District Council [MDC] for general and local body election signage for some time, an MDC spokesperson said.
When the Times-Age inspected the area, the election signage – although not outside of the designated area stipulated by MDC – did appear to reduce visibility for vehicles turning right out of South Rd at an intersection that is already notoriously difficult to navigate.
MDC confirmed it had received two complaints about the hoardings and the appropriate parties – NZ First and National – were notified, and it is understood that the NZ First sign was removed entirely while the National sign was moved back to a more appropriate location.
Wairarapa Road Safety Council safety manager Bruce Pauling said line of sight is important, and while he believed there was sufficient visibility in this case, he acknowledged issues would arise if approaching vehicles were travelling at high speeds.
