Courtesy Crossings Rely On Good Manners

Courtesy crossings are ‘shared space’ and rely on the courtesy of both drivers and pedestrians.

Responsibility rests with the pedestrians to make eye contact with approaching drivers and check they are slowing down before stepping out from the kerb.

The crossings rely on consideration from drivers and common sense from pedestrians.

Irritation can occur when drivers stop unnecessarily – when pedestrians are still approaching the crossing – or when pedestrians step out when a car is almost upon the crossing.

Blenheim’s crossings are in the 30 km/h zone in the town centre and also at the Redwoodtown shopping centre.

The philosophy behind speed humps in a town centre is that slower vehicle speeds will increase the safety of the environment.

The accident rate is very low: the courtesy crossings have a better safety record than ordinary pedestrian crossings.