Bus tunnel-runners face spycams
Mt Victoria Residents' Association spokesman Kent Duston said he spotted up to a dozen "tunnel-runners" using the bus tunnel at the top of Pirie St each day, and many of them were repeat offenders.
The tunnel is restricted to public buses on specific routes. Residents fear the motorists are endangering themselves and pedestrians crossing the mouth of the tunnel.
Prohibited vehicles caught using the tunnel can face an instant $150 fine.
Mr Duston said there had been a rise in cars using the tunnel. "It comes and goes, but it's become especially bad since late last year."
Residents crossing the road at the top of Pirie St had been startled by cars hurtling out of the tunnel. "[It's] the last thing they're expecting. It's an accident waiting to happen."
Drivers often ran the red light controlling the narrow, one-way tunnel, and at least one has been seen having to reverse hurriedly when a bus approached from the opposite direction.
Mr Duston has sent photos of renegade drivers to police, and residents are now considering installing their own video surveillance system. "We're investigating what's possible. We've got to figure out whether the technology will do the job."
Senior Sergeant Richard Hocken said police had prosecuted six drivers caught using the tunnel in the past two months.
It was tempting for drivers to try to avoid traffic in the main Mt Victoria tunnel, but it was unsafe, he said. "They shouldn't be going through there and there will be some police follow-up."
- © Fairfax NZ News
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$150 fine?! Is that all?!?! Come on guys, I get fined more than that when I speed over 63km/h in a residential area! Skipping a red traffic light is more than that! That's why they will keep on doing it. Slap them and slap them hard, that's not a tunnel for motorists, period.
Car vs Bus = FAIL
Let them learn the hard way. I dont understand why there isnt an arm barrier that the bus drivers have to raise with a remote. But hey... lets not choose the simple solution. Once again... Bus beats Car.
No, running a red light is a $150 fine. I got fined for doing this last year.
I also think that the fine WRT to article is too low.
Poster #1 "I would be careful if I was that house with the camera on it" I clearly do not see any house in the picture? Therefore how do you know where the camera is housed? It could be in a vehicle or high on one of the poles. In no way is this tunnel anything like the Mt Vic one. Tens of thousands of people use the Mt Vic Tunnel daily as opposed to 1 or 2 buses every 15 or so minutes. It is perfectly safe to cross the road if the "standard road cossing techniqu"e is used.
I agree it should be a higher fine. Considering that they are: A) Running a red light; and B) Driving on a restricted road they are not allowed to use.
As a young fulla, back in the day I know that people used to cruise through that tunnel at night, about halfway through they turned their lights off. Pretty freaky experience, and a bit of a rush.
I never did it of course.
Temptation is there for people to use it as it is a shortcut. Perhaps arms can be used that only buses can then raise once they approach the entrance?
That tunnel has been used for at least 10-years by people other than buses, it is not a new phenomenom.
$150 fine, thats a joke, you get more for no rego or WOF, Make it $500+
Surprise surprise,The photo shows an SUV owner doing it. More proof that the owners of these cars are the most arrogant selfish pr!cks on the road!
Lol who actually cares, no crashes yet probably never will be. A bus will travel below 30 k going through a tunnel as always anyway spend time doing something else more productive Mr Duston
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I would be careful if i was that house with the camera on it - with the number of hoons going there at night and what not, your house will be targeted now!! And i also question crossing in front of a "blind" corner and a tunnel - do you see anyone crossing in front of the main Mt Vic tunnel????