Road Cones: Love Them or Hate Them, They’re Here to Stay

Road cones, a common sight on New Zealand’s roads, have been a source of frustration for many Kiwis, particularly those in Auckland, where construction work seems to be never-ending. However, the situation with road cones is more complex than it appears. In this blog, we will explore different aspects of this issue, from safety concerns to investment in traffic management and the unsung heroes keeping New Zealand on the move.

The bumpy road to progress

The cost of road construction has taken off in recent years, with StatsNZ’s transport ways index, which measures the costs of delivering transport investment, showing a 13% increase in costs in the year ending 2022. Adverse weather events, like the wet summer in Northland, and the impact of Cyclone Gabrielle have contributed to an increase in the deterioration of roads, leading to a need for more maintenance and repairs.

As road cones have become an increasingly common sight, some people have expressed their frustration by claiming that New Zealand now officially has more road cones than people (which isn’t exactly true – there are about 1 million road cones in use around the country, and they’re made out of PVC, a type of plastic that can be recycled).

According to a recent study conducted by Auckland University on national transportation, about 70% of the population now feel driving around is more unsafe than ever. This is due to the increased number of road cones, which Richard Wheeler, a clinical psychologist from Christchurch, suggested as symbols of what went wrong, anger, helplessness, and possibly fear. Those orange cones might cause road rage in some people because they feel irritated by them.

However, road cones are essential for safety on construction sites, and they signify an investment in traffic management and infrastructure upgrades, which can lead to improvements in efficiencies and timing for road works.

Beyond the frustration

Road cones are an important aspect of traffic management in New Zealand, particularly in Auckland, which is currently experiencing a boom in construction activity. These cones are used to create safe zones for workers on construction sites, as well as to guide drivers through work zones and ensure that they are aware of changes to the road layout.

One of the most significant benefits of road cones is the improved safety they provide for construction workers. Projects and sites are inherently dangerous places, with heavy machinery and equipment posing a risk to workers and members of the public alike. By using road cones and barriers to mark safe zones around these sites, workers can carry out their work with a reduced risk of collisions or injuries. Additionally, road cones are often used to create temporary traffic islands or pedestrian walkways, ensuring that workers and members of the public can move around the site safely and easily.

Road cones are often used to signal that improvements are being made to the road network, which shows that the government is investing in the safety and convenience of drivers. As cities like Auckland continue to grow and develop, it is crucial to ensure that the road network can handle increased traffic volumes and meet the needs of a growing population. Failing to invest in maintaining our roads properly will lead to more congestion and unsafe roads, ultimately resulting in higher costs for drivers due to damage to their cars.

Some work on our state highways, such as SH2 Tangoio to Tūtira, SH1 Brynderwyn, and SH38 from Tuai to Aniwaniwa Falls, is necessary. Many of the roads in the Far North were built for horse and cart, and now thousands of cars and heavy trucks use them daily. New Zealand currently lacks a top-notch public transportation system, so improving existing roads is a necessity. This is especially critical for rural communities without access to buses, trains, or ferries, including a significant Māori population who are among the most vulnerable.

As we sit in our cars, annoyed with the sight of roadworks causing yet another delay, it might be easy to forget about the human beings working tirelessly to improve our roads. These workers endure gruelling shifts, often under scorching sun or freezing rain, and face the constant danger of reckless drivers speeding through construction zones. Imagine being in their shoes, standing for hours on end, breathing in dust and exhaust fumes, and dodging vehicles that could easily hurt you if you make one wrong move.

Sadly, some drivers don’t show these workers the respect they deserve. They’re frequently abused by angry motorists on top of the already challenging work conditions. It’s understandable to feel annoyed by the situation, but we must treat road workers with respect and acknowledge that their job is not an easy one.

The road to better infrastructure

As New Zealand continues to grow and develop, it is likely that we will continue to see more road cones on our roads. While it is important to reduce the frequency of lane closures and cones for road works, we should remember the necessity of investing in our roads for the safety and well-being of all citizens, particularly those in isolated communities without access to public transport.

Road cones may be frustrating, but they are a necessary symbol of investment in our roads and infrastructure. Investing in our roads is essential for the safety and efficiency of our transport network, and while it may come at a cost, it’s a cost worth paying. By understanding the benefits of these cones, we can appreciate the role they play in keeping our roads safe and efficient.