Talk:Driving in New Zealand/Archive

Mountain driving
I seem to remember something about Mountain Driving in NZ and harsh weather conditions in the winter? My parents drove along the South Island and commented on it... (WT-en) KJ
 * Thanks for the suggestion. I will incorporate it. (WT-en) Tiles 01:33, 25 Aug 2003 (PDT)


 * Believe it or not, but when I was in New Zealand in 1992 I saw one of the weirdest roadsigns I ever encountered: beware of falling trucks. It was at the Lake Manapouri Power Station between the lake and Deep Cove (Doubtful Sound - South Island). According to our guide a truck had indeed fallen from the road high on the slope above. Unfortunately I didn't take a picture of the sign. Anyone here has? (WT-en) D.D. 14:40, 25 Aug 2003 (PDT)
 * If it is still there I will incorporate it. I work for the transmission company that takes the power from Manapouri to the aluminium smelter at Bluff and have made enquiries about the sign.  (WT-en) Tiles 22:52, 25 Aug 2003 (PDT)

This article appears biased
Several statements in this article regarding the enforcement of New Zealand Traffic laws, most commonly speeding enforcement, appear biased and/or unattributed.

Examples

"The Police operate a dedicated Highway Patrol, whose primary job is to raise revenue by issuing speeding tickets."

Is it a stated goal of the Highway patrol to Raise Revenue? If so, this needs to be attributed. Otherwise, it would be better to state that "It is a widely-held belief that the highway patrol's job is simply to raise revenue..."

"it is rare for Police officers to concentrate on offences other than speeding"

No evidence is provided to support this statement and it indicates a bias

"However, you must take care not to exceed the speed limit at all times, as speeding up to minimise the time exposed to danger (a safe driving practice) will still be viewed by Police officers as dangerous."

This is arguable. Do not state that driving fast on the wrong side of the road is a safe driving practice without attributing this fact.

"Enforcement often happens at sections of road where drivers may easily break the speed limit, such as at the few places on the State Highways where it is safe and practical to overtake."

The officially stated policy is that enforcement is directed at those areas with disproportionately high accident statistics.

Congestion in Auckland
The article currently says Auckland is very congested. By NZ standards, yes it is, but I think this is a bit misleading for the typical traveller. I'd like to amend it accordingly, unless anyone disagrees? (WT-en) Andyfarrell 18:08, 26 September 2007 (EDT)
 * I've toned that section down a little. (WT-en) Andyfarrell 11:46, 28 September 2007 (EDT)

Driving on unsealed roads

 * Unsealed roads - there are a good number of unsealed roads (otherwise known as gravel roads, or metal roads) in New Zealand. They are usually marked on maps although seal is gradually being extended so older maps may not be up to date. Avoid unsealed roads where it's practical to do so. If you do drive on them, don't drive too fast - 60km/h is about the maximum speed for safe driving on such roads.

I think this is utter bullshit. Why would you avoid unsealed roads? They are the best kinds of roads to drive on. And you can go faster than 60 on them. 219.89.230.96 09:14, 29 October 2008 (EDT)

reference to law
I think with driving comment you should add clauses to show where the law requires something to be done - eg road code clause, or land transport regulations etc. I dont know where each clause would be, and it would involve research.

Otherwise it ends up opinion, and there are enough arrogant and stupid New Zealanders on the road who feel it is their right to do as they please, let alone all the overseas people who come here and have only just learned to drive and cause extreme anger for the rest of us by hogging the road in the fast lane doing 60!!