Just so that everybody [fluent in te reo and NZ sign language] knows how to drive on NZ roads, we now have bi-lingual road signage being forced upon us.

None of the objections or difficulties I noted as below were included in the DCC submission to government on bi-lingual road signage.

From: Lee Vandervis lee@vandervision.co.nz

Date: Monday, 19 June 2023 at 12:06 PM

To: Simon Drew Simon.Drew@dcc.govt.nz, “Council 2022-2025 (Elected Members)” council.2022-2025@dcc.govt.nz, Sandy Graham Sandy.Graham@dcc.govt.nz

Cc: “Executive Leadership Team (ELT)” elt@dcc.govt.nz, Jeanine Benson Jeanine.Benson@dcc.govt.nz, Gina Huakau Gina.Huakau@dcc.govt.nz

Subject: Re: Council Submissions on He Tohu Huarahi Māori bilingual traffic signs

Hi Simon,

I disagree with the proposed change to bilingual traffic signage and I believe that the vast majority of people I represent also do not want it..

The fundamental purpose of traffic signage is for safety and to direct traffic, often with split-second decision making.

There is already evidence of signage overkill, strict nzta rules around letter sizes/competing signage/etc., and signage confusion causing accidents and death, because of legibility issues especially in bad weather.

Bi-lingual signage will only make these already recognised problems much worse.

The claim that “Bilingual signs will help ensure there are everyday opportunities for all New Zealanders to engage with and use te reo Māori.“

is ridiculous as there are already panoramic opportunities to engage with and use re reo Maori if people want to.

Reading traffic directions is not an opportunity to engage in alternative language learning.

Such a major proposed change to bi-lingual signage should be preceded by a central government referendum on the issue.

The cost of such change even when staged will be considerable in terms of dollars, but the really terrible cost will be in injuries and lives lost through confusion, especially for the millions of tourists that use our already dangerous roads.

Regards,

Lee