Passing here's a piece of cake - really

JOHN BISSET/Timaru Herald

NEW LOOK, NEW CONFUSION: The new passing lanes at Winchester, looking north.

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The new passing lane on the south side of Winchester has been raising motorists' eyebrows.

Confusion has come about as to whether north bound traffic can overtake, even though there is no passing lane for them, only a broken white line.

South Canterbury Road Safety co-ordinator Daniel Naude said he had been approached by five or six puzzled motorists, but explained both north-bound and south-bound traffic had the right to pass if the way was clear.

"We wouldn't encourage people [heading north] to overtake when there are cars on the [left-hand side] of the passing lanes, but when it's clear, or they are sure it's safe, they can overtake."

Mr Naude said south-bound drivers now had to make sure no north-bound motorist was overtaking before they too tried to pass another vehicle. "Everybody's just got to be careful," he said.

Mr Naude added the solid yellow line was only for south-bound traffic, to ensure a third line wasn't formed.

A similar passing lane is being built between Glenavy and Oamaru.

- © Fairfax NZ News