Kiwis dislike their own traffic laws

A POLL by national paper The New Zealand Herald has found that two-thirds of New Zealand drivers want to scrap the right-hand give way rule. But if you're from the UK you probably won't even know about it until an irate Kiwi tries to run you off the road at a junction.

At an intersection, obtuse Kiwi traffic laws require that if you are turning left, you give way to vehicles coming towards you that are turning right. Have a look at the illustration and remember that in real life the red car will be turning across you while you wait with annoyed traffic piled up behind.

Even when you get used to the rule and it becomes second nature when you are turning left, if you are behind the person turning, it is still unexpected when they stop on the main road to give way. If you don't have to stand on your breaks to avoid back-ending a left-turning car every few days you're doing really well.

But unlike the Brits who tend to love holding onto outdated traditions like, miles, ounces and pints, the Kiwis are in favour of a change, and let's hope it comes sooner rather than later. (But don't hold your breath, I'm told by avid Kiwi watchers that this topic comes up once a year at holiday time when there's no political or business news.)