Changes to street turn rules confusing drivers

Motorists cannot turn right on to Hillside Rd from the now two-way Rankeilor St, changes to which have prompted some confusion. Photos by Peter McIntosh.

Changes to Rankeilor St in South Dunedin are causing confusion among motorists.

The Dunedin City Council has turned the entire street into a two-way road, in an attempt to better control traffic in the area.

Previously, the eastern half of Rankeilor St, which connects to McBride St, was two-way, but the western end was limited to motorists travelling towards Hillside Rd.

The changes had occurred in the past few weeks and meant motorists could turn left from Hillside Rd on to Rankeilor St, as well as left from Rankeilor St on to Hillside Rd.

However, they were not allowed to turn right from Rankeilor St on to Hillside Rd, because of the potential for traffic to build up.

DCC senior transportation planner Lisa Clifford said the changes were made to reduce traffic congestion at intersections around Rankeilor St.

It was now easier for motorists to access parking in the area, she said.

If the changes caused any problems they could be reviewed, Ms Clifford said.

Rankeilor St was narrow for a two-way road, like others in the area, but that did not mean collisions were likely, she said.

"It's now consistent with most of the roads around there and just means traffic will go a bit slower down that street. We'll monitor it and if there are any issues we can look at those," Ms Clifford said.

The changes had been recommended as part of a wider upgrade of South Dunedin, she said.

rosie.manins@odt.co.nz