Dunedin police will be targeting a North Dunedin intersection after an Otago Daily Times video showed numerous vehicles running red and amber lights.
The Opoho Rd, Bank St and North Rd intersection is considered the fourth worst intersection in Dunedin for crashes, with failing to stop at a red light or give-way sign one of the main causes.
Comments about the video on ODT Online showed little respect for the drivers on the video who did not slow down for the lights.
Dunedin City Council senior traffic engineer Ron Minnema said despite that attitude, drivers continued to run lights, even when adjustments had been made to the road layout and traffic lights in an attempt to reduce those problems.
The Opoho intersection was upgraded last August and had been fine-tuned since, so drivers turning left or right did not need to give way.
The behaviour shown on the video was ''extremely concerning'' and was happening around the city, yet one of the most significant factors in crashes was the ''people factor''.
''We've done as much as we can technically at that intersection ... we can't do it on our own. We need the community to get behind it.''
Dunedin drivers were notoriously impatient, yet there was no need to run a red light in a city this size, he said.
''Dunedin is not busy. It's 10 minutes from one side to the other.''
Drivers needed to remember to expect the unexpected at intersections, especially where pedestrians crossed, he said.
Dunedin road policing manager Senior Sergeant Phil McDouall said a traffic unit had been given the job of undertaking enforcement at the intersection more often.
''The video shows some bad driving.''
It was especially concerning, as it was raining on the second day, yet drivers did not slow down for the conditions, he said.
Drivers faced a $150 fine for running a red or amber light and there were significant consequences, not only for them but other drivers and their families, if anyone was hurt. There was the possibility of a prosecution, disabilities, loss of work and patients missing out on elective surgery, Snr Sgt McDouall said.
Hot spot
• Opoho Rd, Bank St and North Rd intersection.
• Dunedin's No 4 intersection hot spot out of 12.
• In five years, three seriously injured and 11 minor injuries in crashes.
• Social cost estimated at $3,115,584.
Crash causes: failing to stop at a red light or give-way sign, or to give way to a pedestrian.
Busiest time: 3pm-6pm Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
