Media release

Road users urged to watch for little feet as school returns

January 31, 2008

North Shore City urges motorists to be especially vigilant on the roads this week as thousands of students return to primary and secondary schools for 2008.

North Shore City’s group manager of transport strategy and planning, Archer Davis, says the yearly return to school brings an increase in traffic flow that motorists must be aware of.

“Along with cyclists and pedestrians, motorists need to keep a sharp eye out for the 98 walking school buses back in operation in North Shore City. These ‘buses’ alone include more than 1200 children and 530 volunteers each day.

“The Walking School Bus has a great pride of place in our city, with over two thirds of schools with at least one bus, and five other schools currently in the process of setting up,“ Mr Davis says.

Eight school speed zones, designed to reduce traffic speed in school peak times, will also be back in operation, covering ten North Shore schools, says North Shore City’s travelwise co-ordinator, Nicola Maire.

“We are very pleased to have this many speed zones in operation so far, and look forward to seeing three new zones, covering six schools, to rolled out during term 1, Miss Maire says.

“The electronic 40km/h speed limit signs are designed to operate at the beginning and end of each school day, alerting drivers that they are leaving or entering the reduced speed area.

“Regardless of the school speed zones, all drivers need to remember to slow down and be alert for children near our schools, especially at this time of the year,” Miss Maire says.

ENDS

© Scoop Media