If you’ve ever driven past a maze of road cones and wondered if they’re all really necessary—you’re not alone.

A new digital hotline on the WorkSafe New Zealand website now lets anyone report concerns about road cone overuse across the country, including here on the Hibiscus Coast.

The 12-month pilot, launched as part of Government health and safety reforms, aims to rein in excessive cone use on our roads—while still keeping workers and the public safe.

WorkSafe Chief Executive Sharon Thompson says the pilot encourages a more “risk-based approach” to traffic management.

“While cones are primarily there to keep people safe, sometimes the usage is over the top,” she explains.

Once a concern is logged, WorkSafe reviews it and may follow up with those responsible.

That could mean sending out an inspector, or simply providing some educational guidance on best practices.

What does this mean for Coasties?

Well, next time you're crawling through a lane merge that seems unnecessary—or spotting cones long after road crews have left—you now have a direct line to raise it.

It’s not about catching people out.

The goal is to promote balance—protecting lives without blocking roads needlessly.

And with peak winter traffic approaching, any effort to improve flow on local roads like Whangaparāoa Road or the motorway on-ramps will be welcomed by anyone stuck behind the wheel.

You can lodge a report directly on the WorkSafe website.

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