“The paint spilt on to Tremaine Ave represents a clear and present danger to motorcyclists, especially in the wet, as it will be very slippery.” If a motorcyclist were to apply their brakes on the paint streak in the wet they could fall and be run over by a following vehicle. Kirk said 57 motorcyclists died on New Zealand roads in 2020, many from a loss of control on poor road surfaces. “That slippery paint on a major thoroughfare needs to be removed and removed quickly.”
Stuff asked the city council about Kirk’s comments and whether it considered the paint had faded to an extent it was safe for motorcyclists.
Speed marking ‘death trap’
30kmh speed signs have been painted on to roads in Masterton. PHOTO/GRACE PRIOR
Masterton District Council has installed bright red 30kmh speed markings on roads leading to Queen St.
Council roading services manager Kaine Jaquiery said the council had “followed the lead of major metropolitan centres Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch in choosing the material, which is specifically designed not to be a slip hazard for road users, including motorcyclists”.
“Cost was not a factor in choosing this material – safety is the priority.”
New Zealand Motorcycle Safety Consultants chief executive Alan Kirk, of Masterton, doesn’t agree.