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Road safety initiatives

Auckland City works with many individuals, groups, organisations and businesses who promote and carry out valuable road safety work in their communities.

Don't step into danger

Auckland City Council promoted a pedestrian safety campaign over the summer months, when our city is full of workers, shoppers and visitors. A New Zealand artist transformed some of the busiest street corners into shark-infested waters and other perilous situations as a way of prompting people to check before they step into the road.

Pedestrian safety is an important issue as pedestrians account for one in four of those who suffer fatal or serious road crash injuries in Auckland city.

Shark infested waters at intersection of Hobson and Victoria streets

Rope bridge canyon at intersection of Ponsonby Road and Angelsea Street

Child restraint awareness

Hillsborough Kindergarten ran a 2 week awareness project on child restraints. This was a great example of a community driven road safety initiative. Children at the kindergarten learnt 'the safety belt song' and received brightly coloured t-shirts featuring an older child wearing a safety belt and a younger sibling sitting in a car seat – these quickly became an unofficial uniform!

A Road safety co-ordinator and helpers conducted spot checks of child restraint use as parents dropped off and picked up their children. This helped some parents identify ways in which they could make their car restraints safer.  Parents or caregivers who had all their children correctly restrained entered the draw to win a family pass to the Zoo. Constable Sue from the NZ Police also visited and spoke about car seats and safety belts. This project was a huge success and well supported by teachers, parents, the NZ Police and greatly enjoyed by the children of Hillsborough Kindergarten.

Auckland City council also works with community leaders to deliver projects that are specific to a community. The council worked with Otahuhu Mainstreet and Commercial Association and Whare Mauri Ora, who led a 'Buckle Up, Front and Back' project. This was supported by Auckland district police, Auckland District Health Board, Plunket and Maori Wardens. A range of activities promoted this important message including an education stall in the very busy Otahuhu markets, using the Click Ricky car to demonstrate the correct use of child restraints, a prize draw fpr those who correctly answered a safety questionnaire and distribution of shopping bags printed with the 'Buckle Up, Front and Back' message.

 For more information on these road safety initiatives, contact us.

Updated July 2009