I now live in early Pyes Pa Rd but for many years used SH2 for work projects at Omokoroa, Katikati, Waihi Beach, Waihi, Te Aroha and Morrinsville and found it to be very good. In my opinion there have been two major setbacks for travel on that road.

The advent of safety measures which reduce the available tar seal. There are virtually no overtaking opportunities. Tractors are allowed to slow everything down. No slow vehicle bays. Frustration.

As soon as the regional council introduced fares on school buses the buses emptied and the roads clogged up. It is very noticeable all over Tauranga and the Western Bay, including Pyes Pa, that traffic is so much better during the school holidays.

With the population in Omokoroa due to skyrocket, in my opinion there are two ways of helping the state highway. Build a college in the Omokoroa region and a park and ride from Apata in conjunction with a commuter rail or bus service, preferably rail.

SH2 will always be a problem, ending as it does at the two-lane Wairoa Bridge and then up to Bethlehem. Roundabouts at the side roads are the only way.

P Turmer, Pyes Pa.