New Project To Make Roads Safer For Pedestrians And Cyclists

Papatoetoe is set to become safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

It's to be the focus of a new road safety trial project to reduce the risk of injury to pedestrians and cyclists. The project will complement other planning and design changes proposed for the area.

Papatoetoe is one of four sites selected to trial the Safe Routes Project, which is part of the Ministry of Transport's Road Safety to 2010 nationwide strategy to reduce road casualties.

Papatoetoe has a high rate of incidents involving cyclists and pedestrians, as have the other three sites selected - Rotorua, Taupo and Nelson.

It has high numbers of people who are at risk of injury including children, the elderly, migrants and people with disabilities or restricted mobility.

There are three elements to the pilot programme: education, enforcement and engineering. Each has a separate role to play in achieving the goal of improving safety.

In addition the Council is planning an extensive revitalisation programme for the two main shopping areas of Papatoetoe, including improving lighting and changing the street layout.

Manukau mayor Sir Barry Curtis welcomes the pilot programme. "It is another step towards making the area a better place to live and shop in. The improvements will help make it easier to get around safely and therefore a more attractive community centre."

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