"The problem we have is the roundabout is attracting people at speed ... Drivers are gambling that the way will be clear and they can veer left or right and keep going," Senior Sergeant Ian Kerrisk told the Vincent Community Board this week.
The roundabout, at the intersection of Centennial Ave (State Highway 8), Clutha and Killarney Sts, had improved traffic flows since it was completed four months ago, Snr Sgt Kerrisk said.
It is part of a $1.4 million safety upgrade and resurfacing of the state highway in the centre of the town.
Vehicles were going too fast around the intersection and drivers were not indicating. A large, illuminated sign telling motorists to slow down before the roundabout was placed there this week in an attempt to make drivers more cautious.
Although the town's other roundabout, at the intersection of Centennial Ave, Tarbert and Dunorling Sts, was completed in 2009, motorists still needed to be educated about how to use roundabouts correctly, Snr Sgt Kerrisk said.
"It's an education thing. The big problem we have is indicating - nobody seems to indicate."
Acting Central Otago sub-area supervisor Detective Sergeant Derek Shaw said police were about to start a campaign targeting driver behaviour.
According to the New Zealand Transport Agency, on average three people are killed and 250 injured nationwide at roundabouts each year.
Roundabout basics
• Before entering roundabout, indicate if you are intending to exit left or right. If you are going straight ahead, do not indicate on entry.
• Give way to all traffic that will cross your path from your right as you enter.
• Signal left as you pass the exit before the one you intend taking.
Source: New Zealand Transport Agency.
