Board calls for safety improvements for young pedestrians in south Auckland
Fears for the welfare of child pedestrians have grown from a boost in housing development around Walters Rd, Papakura.
More children are reportedly walking in the area prompting concerns about their safety.
The Papakura local board has called on Auckland Transport to investigate improving conditions near Pulman Park and neighbouring Kauri Flats School, a new school boasting nearly 300 students.
Board chair Brent Catchpole said there are a number of areas where driver behaviour is not as good as it should be, and that’s particularly concerning near major parks and schools.
Many people will tell you speeding is common, he said.
"Children are among our most vulnerable community members and they are entitled to our protection.
“If that means we have to get the police there to enforce things, and ask Auckland Transport to put in more permanent measures, we can’t shy away from that.”
The board has asked the agency to develop a concept plan for Walters Rd addressing health and safety issues for people, particularly children, trying to cross the road.
The board petitioned for a pedestrian crossing on Walters Rd outside Kauri Flats School and a 40kmh school zone speed limit.
It requested a slip road outside the athletic throwing net at Pulman Park, aligning crossing points with park entrances, creating defined twin lane exits at all points from the park, and urged AT to ensure all stakeholders are involved in any plan.
Papakura was not the only area of concern.
The board has also asked Auckland Transport to lower speed limits between Hingaia Bridge and the motorway, and at Harbourside Drive and its side roads due to increased housing development in the area.
Are you worried about safety for pedestrians in your neighbourhood?
Which roads could do with improvements?
*Please put NFP if you do not want your comments used by Stuff.
Poll: Does grocery bagging affect where you shop?
There's only a few differences between our larger chain supermarkets here in New Zealand. Having someone bag your groceries is one of them.
Does having your groceries packed for you at the checkout influence where you do your grocery shop? If so, tell us why.
-
24.1% Yes
-
75.2% No
-
0.7% Other - I'll share below
Six tips for improving security around your home
1) Improve outdoor lighting
Ensure that streets, driveways, and front yards are well-lit. Motion-sensor lights around homes deter trespassers by reducing hiding spots and illuminating their movements.
2) Trim your trees
Overgrown shrubs and trees provide cover for intruders. Keeping them well-trimmed around windows and doors improves visibility and reduces potential hiding spots.
3) Secure Entry Points
Ensure doors, windows, and gates are always closed when you are away from the house. Upgrade to more secure locks, deadbolts, or even smart locks for added protection.
4) Add a security camera
Place security cameras in the main entry points to your home. Doorbell cameras are also relatively cheap and a great way to keep track of who is visiting your home when you aren't there.
5) Start a Neighborhood Watch Program
You could reach out to members on Neighbourly to form a group of neighbors who can regularly keep an eye out for suspicious activity and report it. You could also check with Neighbourhood Support to see what is existing in your area.
6) Introduce yourself to your neighbours
The closer you are to your neighbors, the more likely they’ll notice when something unusual or suspicious is happening around your property
Feel free to share anything that you do around your area to deter crime.
What workplace change would you like to see most?
This coming Monday is Labour Day in New Zealand. This public holiday marks when the eight-hour workday and 48-hour workweek became law in 1899. The idea started with Samuel Parnell, a carpenter in Wellington, who in 1840 refused to work more than eight hours a day. Since skilled workers were in short supply, his employer had to agree.
As more skilled workers arrived, employers tried to change working conditions, but Parnell and others kept pushing for better rights. In 1890, Parnell led a Labour Day parade of 1,500 people to promote the eight-hour day. He passed away shortly after, and nine years later, Labour Day became an official public holiday.
Do you feel that we have reached the ideal in working environments yet? What rights are you passionate about relating to employment? Share your thoughts!
Loading…
