A New Zealand first, to create a safer environment outside schools

A new project aims to create a safer environment for students going to and from Hastings schools.

The Hastings District Council has approved a project which will see a comprehensive approach taken to the traffic environment outside schools, with the aim of significantly reducing driver speed and enhancing pedestrian and cyclist safety”

Transportation Manager Jag Pannu says” the project is a first for New Zealand and will ensure the road in the immediate vicinity of schools becomes a ‘more safe environment’.”

New signage will be erected and road marking changed, in an effort to make drivers more aware that they are near a school, where large numbers of students congregate. Mr Pannu says “independent studies from around the world have shown that simply, lowering the speed limit outside schools doesn’t result in drivers taking more care, unless it is implemented with a changed environment”.

“For example, placing a 30 km an hour restriction at roadworks in a 100 km an hour zone often doesn’t result in drivers slowing down significantly, it takes more than a sign to get the message through. We want any measures we implement to result in demonstrable changes in driver behaviour and ultimately make it far safer for school children” says Mr Pannu.

Clive School is being used as a pilot for the project which is being supported by the school principal and Police.

Mr Pannu says “the changes will not be done in isolation and a rigorous monitoring programme will be initiated which, depending on the results, could also see speed limits reduced”.

”Actually, changing the environment provides the best chance of drivers becoming more aware of their responsibilities around schools, which in turn ensures much safer passage to and from school for children” Mr Pannu says.

Eastern Road Policing Manager Inspector Chris Wallace says” Police support Council in their efforts to come up with a framework which will change roading environments outside schools”.

“Police are working closely with the Hastings District Council to help lower speeds around schools” Mr Wallace says.