Schools across Tāmaki Makaurau will be welcoming students both new and old in earnest this week, and Auckland Transport (AT) is reminding motorists to be mindful of them.
Getting children to school safely is a top priority for AT and our teams want Aucklanders to be wary of our littlest students, especially around primary schools.
AT’s Community Transport Manager, Zara Walker, says all road users should be extra vigilant when travelling near schools, especially during the very busy times around drop-off and pick-up.
“Young children can be unfamiliar with navigating our streets and footpaths, and it’s up to all of us to look out for them and to take extra care when we’re travelling near schools,” Ms Walker said.
“Any time you are driving passed a school, please be mindful of the movement of all people needing to share the streets and footpaths with students walking, cycling, scootering, or navigating to school buses.
“Unfortunately, we’re still seeing some motorists ignoring our school crossings and are driving right through them.”
AT is urging all drivers to do the right thing and stop at crossings and to please drive to the conditions and speed limit around schools, especially during school hours.
“Please also be mindful when parking to do so with all children in mind, your child, your neighbours’ child and any other child that my struggle to see passed your vehicle, or anyone else,” Ms Walker said.
AT’s parking teams regularly patrol known parking hot spots around schools to make sure motorists are parking appropriately. Due to recent government changes - infringement fees have increased recently so consider your surroundings before parking.
Walking School Buses – a safer way to get to school
Community-led Walking School Buses are another way for our youngest students to get to school safely.
“AT supports about 200 Walking School Buses across Auckland, and we’d like to see plenty more,” Ms Walker said.
“These safety-conscious walking groups can help as few as five or more than 50 children travel to school safely, guided by parent and community volunteers,” she says.
If you would like to find out more about how to join or volunteer to support a Walking School bus in your area - please reach out to us by emailing: walkingschoolbus@at.govt.nz
“We always need volunteers to make these happen, and these can be whānau, friends, au pairs, retirees or semi-retirees, dog walkers or even sports coaches. Basically, anyone in our communities who has some spare time to lend a hand and take an active role in connecting your neighbourhood children to and from school in a safe and fun way.”
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