We are a big supporters of active modes of transport and continue to push for safety improvements on our roads. In March 2019 Carmel Claridge from the Orakei Local Board got a first hand look at what a walking school bus is like for our kids.
As a result, one of the issues she raised with the Board’s Auckland Transport relationship manager was to examine the intersection and extreme traffic congestion at the entrance to Mt Carmel at Lucia Glade – in particular to provide a safer crossing facility across Temple St.
MBSJRA sought letters of support from both Mt Carmel School and Meadowbank School for improved pedestrian safety in the area. Following this, we were pleased to get the following response from Orakei Local Board’s Transport Spokesperson Carmel Claridge:
“I have experienced first-hand the significant difficulties school children and their parents have in crossing the roads at the Mt Carmel school entrance after joining the walking school bus one morning. Much needed safety improvements at the Temple St/Lucia Glade intersection may be able to be implemented through the Community Safety Fund recently launched by Auckland Transport. We are also aware of the long standing problems Lucia Glade residents have experienced with traffic congestion, particularly at school drop off and pick up times.
The Board is presently looking at the projects we have in the Local Board area that fit the criteria for this funding and prioritising them. I have instructed Auckland Transport to investigate the options for Temple/Lucia Glade and report back to the Board. That work is underway which will come back with some costings, establish whether criteria is met, and assist us with that prioritisation process. Auckland Transport has received copies of the correspondence from the schools in support. I have also discussed the potential project with my fellow Board members with good reception. A formal resolution will be required from the full Board for allocation of funding once it opens for applications in June. Things are progressing well and I would like to assure the local community that the Board and myself are committed to safer streets for all users, particularly around our schools.”
We look forward to these improvements and making it safer for our youngest residents to walk to school.