Lack of barriers baffles parents

Press, 11 July 1989, Page 8

Lack of barriers baffles parents

PA Auckland The American parents of a woman killed on the Auckland Harbour Bridge say they are amazed a civilised country can have an eight-lane bridge without median barriers. An Auckland electrician, Jane Regan King,. aged 36, formerly of Louisiana, died in a headon crash on the bridge last week. She was on her way to the North Shore home she shared with her boyfriend, Mike Castle, who said they were thinking of moving back to the city side, partly because of the traffic problems. Ms King’s mother, Mrs Claire Regan, said from her Lake Charles, Louisiana, home that Jane died 21 years to the day after her younger brother, then aged nine, was killed on his bicycle in another road accident Ms King came to New Zealand _ four years ago withfher husband .Phillip, frornt_ whom she. was di-

vorced last year, and frequently told her parents New Zealand was ‘‘wonderful’’ and “beautiful.” Ms King had been in New Zealand long enough not to be confused by the left-hand rule. Mrs Regan said she was surprised about the lack of barriers; which are in ■ place on all highways and bridges of the same size in the . United States. “I can’t imagine eight lanes of traffic going against each other like that. But I am not angry; it is too late for anger, and nothing we do or say will bring Jane back. But if someone else can be prevented from dying, put up the barriers — it makes sense. It would be a wonderful idea.” Ms King's former husband Phillip, who returned to the United States in January after the marriage split, said he and Jane found New_Zealand driving' aggn&ive and rude.