As some of the restrictions under the COVID-19 alert levels are lifted, Hamilton City Council is urging drivers and other road users to be aware of changing road conditions.
City Transportation Manager Jason Harrison says people making essential trips in the past four weeks may have become used to quiet roads, no construction activity and less people about – but that will change.
“More businesses will be opening in some form, more transport of goods will be under way, and there will be a return to some construction activity in coming days and weeks. There will be more happening on our roads and we want people to be aware of the changes and take extra care,” says Mr Harrison.
There has already been a rise in traffic volumes in recent days on some of the city’s key routes. Compared to March 26, estimated traffic counts increased between 30% and 59% on April 16 and it’s expected that will increase further this week.
“Couple that with dark, foggy mornings and the likelihood of poor weather, and it increases the risk for road users and people working on and near our roads,” says Mr Harrison.
This need for awareness extends to all road users and people should be watchful for cyclists and pedestrians as our traffic movements increase over the coming weeks. Remembering to stick to the speed limit and allowing two-metre distancing for people on bikes will help ensure we all share our roads safely.
“The last few weeks have seen a great effort by our city and the entire country as we focus on keeping ourselves and our communities safe,” says Mr Harrison.
“That ‘safety-first’ mindset is just as important when you take to our roads, for your protection and our workers. It’s a simple message as alert levels start to change – be aware and take more care.”