AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL MEDIA RELEASE

20 February 2006

Pedestrian safety message reaches audience

Up to 2000 international students from across the region are attending a special road safety event at the Auckland Town Hall starting tomorrow.

Auckland City and New Zealand Police are concerned about the number of pedestrian crashes involving international students.

Over the past five years, 56 pedestrians of Asian descent have been involved in crashes in Auckland City. It is believed many were international students.

Following the success of last year's inaugural event, a series of interactive educational sessions are being held tomorrow and Wednesday in the Town Hall.

Claire Dixon, Auckland City's senior road safety co-ordinator, says the seminars aim to offer information to students who come from a very different street environment.

"Although we will be covering general road safety, we're concentrating primarily on pedestrian safety as statistics indicate that is a growing issue," says Ms Dixon.

"International schools share our concern for their students' safety when crossing busy Auckland roads and have approached us for assistance."

The seminars will be run by Auckland Police's Asian liaison officer, education officer and its Serious Crash Unit. All attending students will be given a free gift bag and have the chance to win spot prizes.

Informative stands from a range of road safety organisations will be on display in Aotea Square, where students will descend after each session. The police presence will be significant with motorbikes, a booze bus, and the All About Choice crash trailer.

The International Student Pedestrian and Road Safety Seminar is a partnership between New Zealand Police, Auckland, North Shore and Waitakere city councils, with support from The Edge.

ENDS

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