Hoteliers promote safer driving

Hoteliers promote safer driving

Accommodation providers around Palmerston North are helping overseas visitors learn New Zealand road rules thanks to information packs provided by Horizons Regional Council.

The packs, currently being trialed by Broadway Motor Inn, Drovers Motor Inn, Aubyn Court and The Coachman, highlight crucial New Zealand road rules that differ from other countries.

Horizons road safety coordinator for Palmerston North and Manawatu Desley Monks says while Palmerston North is not experiencing high volumes of crashes involving overseas visitors, the packs are a mitigation measure designed to raise awareness.

“The packs contain an information brochure produced by the New Zealand Transport Agency, which has been translated into eight different languages,” Mrs Monks says.

“Overseas visitors will be offered a pack when they check-in and informed of the recent high incidence of crashes involving tourist drivers in New Zealand. We hope that by providing this information we can help visitors who may not be aware of our different road rules and impart a bit of knowledge that they can carry with them throughout their travels across the country.”

Motel owners have agreed to let Horizons know how the packs are received and pass on any feedback from visitors.

Mrs Monks says an additional 200 packs containing road safety information were handed out to International Pacific College students during their orientation this week where students received presentations from Police, the Fire Service, Horizons Regional Council and Sport Manawatu on keeping themselves safe in and around the city.

Any hotel or motel owners not currently involved in the road safety initiative who would like to find out more are encouraged to contact Mrs Monks via Horizons’ toll free number 0508 800 800. 

ENDS

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