Vodafone Runs Roadside Calling Stops This Weekend

Thursday, 3 June 2004, 11:57 am
Press Release: Vodafone

If Your Cargo’s A Corgi This Queen’s Birthday, You’re In For A Right Royal Treat

Vodafone New Zealand is running more roadside stops this holiday weekend to encourage motorists to pull over before using their mobile phones.

It is repeating its hugely successful Easter initiative at four key locations around New Zealand – and has a right royal treat in store for certain drivers.

“As it’s Queen’s Birthday, we’ll be on the lookout for anyone whose cargo is a corgi,” said Vodafone general manager of communications and sponsorship Lynley Kirk-Smith.

The mobile communications company believes that hands-free is the safest option while driving and that motorists shouldn’t be actively using their mobile while on the move.

In its support of safe driving practices, Vodafone is urging drivers to “pull over” on their journeys, not just to take a break, but also to make their mobile calls.

Kirk-Smith said hundreds of drivers had taken advantage of the Vodafone Roadside Stop at Easter. “The feedback was so good that we’ve decided to run the stops again for the coming long weekend and, this time, we’re expanding the number to four.

“And, to mark the Monarch’s special day, we have a Sharp GX30 mobile phone to give away at each of the four locations to the first car that pulls over with a corgi in it.” …/2 - 2 -

The locations for the Vodafone Queen’s Birthday roadside stops are: Warkworth, heading north of Auckland on State Highway One at the Pohuehue Reserve and on the return journey, just south of Puhoi Blenheim, heading north on State Highway One at Wairau Affray Site and on the return journey at Grovetown (Aberharts) Cambridge, heading north on State Highway One Heavens Culvert on State Highway Two, near the Coromandel turn off

Kirk-Smith said Vodafone would be providing drivers at its roadside stops with leaflets outlining the safest options for using their mobiles while driving plus a birthday cup cake in keeping with the occasion.

“This initiative – which has the backing of the police and Transit NZ - is part of a broader Vodafone campaign, which is all about the responsible use of mobile phones.

“We’ve already made a submission to the LTSA’s Road Code Review supporting safe driving practises and the use of hands-free car kits. And of course, there’s always the option to simply turn your mobile off!” she said.

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