Using pull over bays as they do in New Zealand is a better option than costly and lengthy road works along Indian Ocean Drive.
Camera IconUsing pull over bays as they do in New Zealand is a better option than costly and lengthy road works along Indian Ocean Drive. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Opinion: Pull-over bays the better option

Greg Wilton, BeckenhamComment News

I would like to follow up on a letter by Alf Campbell in Comment News.

I was invited to a recent transport department digital discussion group during which one of the participants mentioned the lower speed on Indian Ocean Drive.

We all think that lowering the speed to 90 kph will help.

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However, the woman indicated the slower speed means that you have to exceed the speed limit to overtake. She travels the road quite often and it is even more frustrating now than it was before.

In New Zealand (I visited and drove there a month ago) when there are areas where overtaking is difficult for long periods due to terrain a short “pull over bay” is included.

This gives Winnebagos, caravans, camper vans and heavy haulage vehicles space to pull over and allow traffic to pass.

They are not long overtaking lanes and don’t need a lot of roadworks to complete.

Constructing the proposed overtaking lanes will take even longer and frustrate travellers even more .