Raised Zebra Crossing to boost safety: south Auckland

Caryn Wilkinson Reporter from Community News

Manurewa Local Board members are welcoming news a raised zebra crossing delayed by the financial impact of Covid-19 will go ahead on Clendon Park’s Finlayson Ave.

Auckland Transport expects to begin work within the next few weeks.

“It’s fantastic news because this board believes everyone has the right to be safe walking in their own neighbourhood,” said board chair Joseph Allan.

The board has invested heavily alongside Auckland Transport in safety improvements in the Wordsworth Quadrant and plans to do so again in the Coxhead Quarter, he said.

Allan said the crossing would improve safety for children attending the nearby school.

“It’s really good news because no one wants to see a child injured and have to explain that measures to prevent that were foiled by COVID-19.”

The new zebra crossing will be on a raised table at 215 Finlayson Ave, with additional traffic and side islands to give pedestrians priority crossing the road.

Tactile yellow pavers will be installed to help visually impaired people cross safely.

Board transport portfolio lead Ken Penney said the board had been relentless in its push for raised crossings at schools.

“We have been advocating for the return of the programme to raise pedestrian crossings around schools since the rollout was halted by Covid-19 and we continue to believe it is the best move to help ensure the safety of our tamariki."