Matatā residents are calling for Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency to install passing lanes on the Matatā Straights following another fatal crash in June.

David Hick has started a petition on change.org asking for passing lanes in both directions on the section of State Highway 2 between Matatā and Pikowai.

"The Matatā Straight is the first real opportunity for vehicles to pass heavy vehicles,” writes David in the petition.

'Unfortunately a combination of impatient drivers, long (& multiple) trucks & trailers, makes this a dangerous stretch of road. It is seen at the ‘last chance' to get past slow traffic. The same applies travelling west."

On June 15, an 18-year-old from Tauranga was killed in an accident when his car and a truck collided on SH2 at Pikowai.

'State Highway 2 takes on a new life beyond the end of the Tauranga Eastern Link,” writes David.

'There are no passing bays and few sections of road that are safe to pass. The general standard of the highway steps down.

'This is a busy road. It carries a lot of freight and a lot of cars.”

David says that travelling west most trucks pull over on the shoulder climbing the hill at Otamarakau Valley road.

'But this only allows a few vehicles to pass. This section need upgrading and designating as a proper passing bay.

'Somewhere along the Matatā Straight there needs to be full passing bays in both directions and then maybe no overtaking lines together with improvements (turning bays) for side roads such as Pikowai.”

So far David's petition has been signed by 223 people.

The petition can be found on change.org

Map showing SH2, Matata straights. Image: Google.