By Mary Afemata of Local Democracy Reporting
As students return to school across Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland Transport (AT) is urging drivers to be vigilant of young people.
The organisation also reminds Aucklanders to be mindful of young students, particularly near primary schools, as their safe journey to school is a top priority.
Community Transport Manager for AT Zara Walker advises road users to exercise greater caution when travelling near schools, particularly during busy drop-off and pick-up periods.
Young children can be unfamiliar with navigating the streets and footpaths, so everyone needed to take extra care when travelling near schools, she says.
“Please be mindful of the movement of all people needing to share the streets and footpaths with students walking, cycling, scootering, or navigating to school buses.”
In January, Greater Auckland reported on data that showed children and young people are most likely to be injured by vehicles, particularly on their way home from school.
Early Auckland Transport data suggests that 2024 likely had the lowest pedestrian death toll in at least 40 years.
The Auckland Transport 2024 numbers are not yet finalised.
Pedestrian deaths and injuries in vehicle crashes most commonly occur between 2-7 pm on weekdays, particularly on 50 km/h roads and near the victim’s home.
It is based on annual averages between 2019 and 2023 in Auckland.
For the child pedestrians, the highest number of injuries and fatalities occur between 2-4 pm, followed by 4-6 pm and 8-10 pm.
Drivers are urged to act responsibly by adjusting their driving to the conditions, stopping at crossings, yielding when necessary, and adhering to speed limits around schools, especially during school hours.
“Please also be mindful when parking to do so with all children in mind — your child, your neighbour’s child, and any other child who may struggle to see past your vehicle, or anyone else,” Walker says.
Drivers are reminded to assess their surroundings before parking, as AT’s parking teams regularly patrol school areas and parking hotspots to ensure people are following the rules.
Walking buses – another safe way to get to school
According to Waka Kotahi NZ Transport, a walking school bus consists of students and adult supervisors walking in a group to school. Each ‘bus’ walks along a set route with at least one adult ‘driver’ picking up children at designated ‘bus stops’.
“Auckland Transport supports about 200 Walking School Buses across Auckland, and we’d like to see plenty more,” Walker says.
“These safety-conscious walking groups can help as few as five or more than 50 children travel to school safely, guided by parent and community volunteers,” she says.
“We always need volunteers to make these happen, and these can be whānau, friends, au pairs, retirees or semi-retirees, dog walkers, or even sports coaches. Basically, anyone in our communities who has some spare time to lend a hand and take an active role in connecting your neighborhood children to and from school in a safe and fun way.”
To find out more about how to join or volunteer to support a Walking School Bus in your area, email [email protected].
