man in New Zealand has taken road traffic safety into his own hands. For past 20 years, Russell Taylor has been illegally painting yellow parking-restriction lines on road outside his house. Mr Taylor told BBC news agency that reason for his actions was to improve traffic safety in his neighborhood in capital, Wellington. He also wanted to protest against gentrification. Mr Taylor said he initially painted yellow lines after becoming fed up with local council's lack of interest in following up residents' complaints about road safety. He explained that he had seen numerous accidents and near-collisions on his narrow street and that his actions have made road safer.
Wellington City Council confirmed it was aware of road markings and that they would be removed. It pointed out that it was illegal to install "fake traffic devices," such as Taylor's homemade yellow lines. It said: "We're aware of problems and complaints about parking in Holloway Road, and that fire service had trouble getting to house fire there in past year because of parked vehicles." It also said it would be meeting residents to discuss idea of installing no parking signs. council added that Mr Taylor would not be prosecuted for his illegal road markings. It said: "Given the glorious and healthy history of civic activism in Holloway Road, we would rather not pick unnecessary fight."
