Waiuku Residents Demand More Speed Cameras After Tragic Crash on Masters Road

In the wake of a deadly crash on Masters Road near Waiuku, local residents are calling for increased speed camera installations to prevent further tragedies. The incident, which claimed the lives of three individuals, has reignited concerns about the road's dangerous conditions and the lack of effective safety measures.

On Tuesday, a car left Masters Road and ended up in a nearby creek, resulting in the deaths of three people. Billy McLean, a local resident and conservation arborist, was the first to arrive at the scene. He described the harrowing moment when he found the vehicle upside down in a deep ditch, surrounded by wetlands. McLean, who has witnessed similar incidents before, said the situation was dire and that no amount of effort could have saved the occupants.

"It's not the first time I've heard it. It's not the first time it's happened here," McLean said. "I knew what it was straight away and just ran straight down there to find the car upside down in the ditch, unfortunately." He emphasized the road's reputation as a dangerous stretch, often referred to as "The Rollercoaster" by locals.

McLean also shared a personal connection to the tragedy. In 2023, he lost his best friend, Daniel Dalgety, in a similar crash on the same road. The emotional toll of these incidents has left many residents, including McLean, questioning the safety of the road and demanding action from local authorities.

"Do something. Do something ... If they could start focusing those speed cameras on actual known death-trap sites, instead of some random corner or at the bottom of a pretty safe downhill where they're just getting as much revenue as they can," McLean said. "Could they please put those cameras where it would save people's lives instead of just collecting their tax."

Jonathan Kuttner, a long-time resident and former GP, echoed McLean's concerns. He described the road as a "death-trap" and highlighted the dangerous dip and bend that can cause vehicles to lose control and end up in a bog. Kuttner has raised concerns with various authorities over the years and is now calling for a speed camera on the road.

Franklin ward councillor Andy Baker acknowledged the road's potential dangers but noted that it falls under the Waikato boundary. He also expressed the deep impact the tragedy has had on the community, stating, "Everyone knows everyone. The whole town will just be reeling, no matter who it is. There'll be so many different parts of the community affected by it. It's a terrible thing."

While the identities of the victims have not been officially confirmed, it is believed they were members of the same family. The police have notified the next of kin and are investigating the incident.

As the community grapples with the loss, the call for improved road safety measures, particularly the installation of speed cameras, has grown louder. Residents are determined to ensure that no more lives are lost on what they see as a dangerous stretch of road.