Council and St Patrick's School announce parking trial

The Grey District Council and St Patrick’s School are implementing a trial range of traffic changes around the school to help keep children safe.

The school roll has grown substantially, prompting a traffic safety collaboration between the school, police, and the council, which is situated directly across the road.

Parents and caregivers who park in the All Saints (formerly the Civic Centre) car park will no longer be able to exit onto Puketahi Street. Instead, they will follow the one-way road around the council building and exit onto Tainui Street (the State Highway).

This also means that council staff, visitors, and parents will enter from Puketahi Street, travel around the council building, and exit onto the State Highway.

Signs and road markings have been installed over the summer break. The school has also ordered poles, which will help keep children using the pedestrian crossing safe.

School principal Ian Johnston said there had been ongoing concerns about child safety, particularly at the end of the school day and especially in wet weather.

“Police and council shared our concerns, and we have worked closely together to develop this solution. Child and road safety are the number one concern for all of us. We are looking forward to working with police to train up our young leaders when the crossing barriers are installed.”

Council’s Transport and Infrastructure Manager, Paddy Blanchfield, said it was a cost-effective solution that would help keep children safe.

West Coast School Community Officer Constable Terri Middleton said the changes had been made to ensure the safety of children going to and from school.

“Road safety is something to take note of all year round; however, it is crucial when it comes to new road layouts and signs, as well as the start of a new year.

“There has been very positive collaboration between St Patrick’s School, Grey District Council, and New Zealand Police in the work to make our roads safer, especially around schools.”

A new School Patrol will operate at the end of the school day, with young school leaders trained as the School Traffic Safety Team.

“We thank motorists and pedestrians for their understanding and respect for this team, as they do a wonderful job keeping our young people safe.”

Council will monitor the change during term one of the new school year and determine the outcome.

Police urge motorists travelling in the area to be alert and to follow the new traffic changes.