The location of new traffic lights in Wānaka has sparked concerns, with some residents worried the lights may be dangerously close to the roundabout at the corner of Ardmore and Brownston Streets.

The traffic lights are being installed to provide a safe crossing for school students as part of the Schools to Pools route connecting schools to the Wānaka Recreation Centre at Three Parks.

Locals raised concerns late last week on social media that the lights and traffic crossing - which are about 100m from the busy roundabout - are too close and questioned their practicality and safety. 

A commentator, who said they were a teacher, said “it will not work in any form and is in the worst place to put one”. 

“I believe in child safety and crossing major roads with care but the plan and place is flawed and anyone will be able to hold the traffic to ransom… someone will try to beat the lights and more risk and potential accidents may ensue. Madness?”

Locals have raised concerns about the proximity of the lights to the roundabout.

“An easy way to delay police and fire getting to emergencies when the traffic’s gridlocked,” said another person.

It’s not clear from communication with Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) and NZTA/Waka Kotahi which organisation selected the location for the traffic lights.

Deputy mayor Quentin Smith told the Wānaka App that the council’s design team considered a range of alternatives, including a crossing further up the hill, above Hedditch St, or one directly at the intersection with Ballantyne Road.

“The design team’s preferred option was a controlled intersection at Ballantyne Road… [where] we would gain some benefits from right hand turns from Ballantyne,” he said.

“But this is a state highway and the final decision sat with NZTA and their engineers.”

However, NZTA media spokesperson Frances Adank told the Wānaka App a different story.

“The QLDC project team presented options during the design process for the traffic signals and after discussion between the parties, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi agreed with the QLDC recommendation,” she said.

The Wānaka App asked QLDC for clarification on Monday (June 24) but had not received a substantive response before this story was published.

The traffic lights are not yet operational.

QLDC has said active travel is an integral part of providing an accessible and safe transport network in Wānaka, and the Schools to Pool footpath upgrades “will create and encourage the use of shared, safer spaces for pedestrians, cyclists and micro mobility users”. 

“The Schools to Pool route will make small, quick and effective changes to our streets and the way they’re used, making it easier to embrace cycling or walking as a means of travel and creating a more sustainable environment to live, work, and play in Wānaka.”

PHOTOS: Wānaka App