New signs showing a Safe Routes to School Crossing Point are being put up to increase the visibility of some areas where children cross roads.

Paul Cottam, City Council’s Safe Routes to School Coordinator, says children use the signs on their journey to and from school to identify where it is safe to cross. Drivers also recognise them as areas where children will cross the road.

• Encourage child pedestrians and cyclists to use the crossing facilities provided
• Improve safety by increasing the prominence and visibility of the crossing area
• Encourage a safe route to school
• Make drivers more aware of pedestrian and cycle movements
• Promote a culture of child road safety in general.

The new signs have been installed by the Council at the following nine locations, which are mostly T intersections: Condell Avenue at Blighs Road, Langdons Road at Greers Road, Belfast Road at Shannon Place, Jeffries Road at Clyde Road, Rossall Street at Fulton Avenue, Clyde Road near Hinau Street, Tennyson Street near Norwood Road, Norwood Street at Sandwich Road and Bromley Road at Raymond Road.

So far, the response from school communities to the brightly coloured signs has been encouraging, with parents commenting on improved visibility at these points.

Public comment and feedback on the new signs is welcome. For more information, see www.ccc.govt.nz/saferoutes or call Paul Cottam,City Council’s Safe Routes to School Coordinator, ph 941 8299, or e-mail paul.cottam@ccc.govt.nz