Safety Initiatives Contribute to Low Road Toll

A number of road safety initiatives have contributed to the second equal lowest road toll on Western Bay of Plenty roads in 2008.

A number of road safety initiatives have contributed to the second equal lowest road toll on Western Bay of Plenty roads in 2008.

Several projects recently undertaken around the Bay of Plenty have helped make driving safer by removing power poles, installing guardrails and improving visibility and signage.

NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Regional Director, Harry Wilson says the work is the result of several organisations working together to achieve a shared goal of lowering the road toll through a combination of education, enforcement and engineering (known as the three Es).

The works include:

• The removal of power poles from Te Maunga to Te Puke, and the placing guard rails around those which remain and other roadside hazards.
• A new pedestrian crossing at Bethlehem, which has slowed traffic and made the road safer for pedestrians and school children to access shops and schools in the area.
• The installation of guard rails on the Tautau Bridge on SH36, at Thompsons Track, at Mangatawa, and on SH2 between Esdaile and Pahoia.
• The installation of new rumble strips on SH2 and SH29.
• Signage providing advance warning of the intersections at the Domain Road roundabout.
• New signage at the recently signalised Welcome Bay Roundabout to improve safety for the school walking buses using the area.
• A new right turning bay at Redwood Lane on SH29.
• Improved road markings at Tauriko and the SH29/Cambridge Road intersection.
• A new cycle lane along Cameron Rd from 1st Ave to Greerton, which has made the main road safer for cyclists.
• A new roundabout at Merivale, which has made the area near the shops safer for pedestrians.

Police Senior Sergeant Ian Campion says ten people died in eight crashes in the region during 2008 and many organisations are working together to create a safer environment including: NZTA, New Zealand Police, Accident Compensation Corporation, Environment Bay of Plenty, and Tauranga City and Western Bay of Plenty District Councils.

“All key road safety partners will continue to focus on enhancing road safety to reduce crashes,” Senior Sergeant Campion says.

For more information please contact:

Julie Hannam
Regional Communications Advisor
NZ Transport Agency
T 64 07 903 5146
M 64 027 294 2649
julie.hannam@nzta.govt.nz