We respectfully request the installation of a dedicated southbound right‑turning bay into Lewis Farms on State Highway 1.

Lewis Farms is a long‑standing local business that attracts significant seasonal traffic including families, cyclists, and visitors from across the region, in addition to the substantial daily traffic from staff vehicles, tractors, heavy machinery, and large trucks accessing the property.

Over recent years, the volume and speed of traffic on this stretch of highway have increased, creating a growing safety risk for both road users and those attempting to enter or exit the property.

At present, southbound vehicles must slow down significantly on the open road to turn right into the Lewis Farms entrance. Without a designated turning bay, this creates:

• Vehicles simultaneously pulling into both the centre line and the left shoulder, leaving no clear path for through‑traffic and momentarily blocking the entire lane
• Increased congestion when multiple vehicles queue to turn.
• High risk of rear‑end collisions, especially during peak season when traffic volumes spike
• Sudden braking hazards for following vehicles, including heavy trucks
• Unsafe decision‑making pressure on drivers attempting to turn across oncoming traffic.

A dedicated right‑turning bay would clearly separate turning traffic from through traffic, reduce the likelihood of crashes, and support safer access for visitors, and passing motorists.

We urge the Government and NZTA to prioritise this improvement as a preventative safety measure that benefits the whole community.

By signing this petition, we show our collective support for the installation of a southbound turning bay into Lewis Farms to ensure a safer and more efficient highway corridor for everyone.