Tomorrow the traffic lights will be turned on at a new pedestrian crossing on Peer St, outside Villa Maria College, improving the road safety of pedestrians, especially children and the elderly.

The new crossing is similar to the system which successfully operates on North Parade outside Marian College. Features include traffic signals activated by pedestrians. The use of regular push buttons on poles are enhanced by sensor pads in the footpaths. The sensor pads require pedestrians to stand on them until the cross signal appears.

The new crossing is the City Council’s response to the concerns expressed by the school community and the Riccarton/Wigram Community Board, regarding pupils crossing Peer Street at the school. Peer Street is a heavily used section of Christchurch’s ring road, and carries about 12,500 vehicles per day.

Photographic Opportunity:

When: Wednesday 27 March, at 2.15pm
Where: At the new Peer St crossing and lights outside Villa Maria College
What: New lights will be turned on by Villa Maria College students, John Gordon (Deputy Principal, Villa Maria College), Bob Schering (Chair, Works and Traffic Sub-group of Riccarton/Wigram Community Board), with police officers in attendance. School closes at 2.30pm, at which time the new crossing will be used by many students.

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