Oamaru is to get another set of traffic lights, this time for pedestrians in the North End shopping area.
The New Zealand Transport Authority said work would start on installing the lights, expected to cost about $100,000, on Monday and be operating by the end of this month.
The original proposal for traffic lights last year met strong opposition from retailers, particularly the plan to remove car parks.
The opposition, led to Waitaki MP Jacqui Dean, organising a meeting between retailers' representatives and the agency to resolve issues.
Yesterday, one of the retailers' representatives, Tim Arthur, of Arthur's Antiques, said they agreed something needed to be done and were satisfied with the outcome, but did not agree 100% with where the lights were going on the pedestrian crossing.
Most believed full traffic lights should have been installed at the Frome St-Caledonian Rd intersection with State Highway 1.
The car parks which were to be lost in last year's proposal would remain.
''However, it was worth talking and getting the issue resolved,'' he said.
Transport Agency senior safety engineer Roy Johnston said preparatory work for the underground ducting to carry cabling to the new signals would start on Monday.
The work was an upgrade of the current zebra crossing, where there was an issue with near misses and vehicles failing to stop for pedestrians.
It should significantly increase pedestrian safety at this site.
''Local businesses and community were consulted on the changes and agreement reached regarding the layout of the signals and the impact on parking,'' he said.
