Edmonton principal concerned about safety

Safety concerns: Edmonton Primary School principal John Carrodus is petitioning the council and police for action. Photo: Ben Watson

By Stephen Forbes

Authorities are being urged to do something about speeding traffic near Edmonton Primary School.

Principal John Carrodus and a number of his staff are especially concerned about people who use a nearby pedestrian crossing in heavy traffic.

"The cars go through here at a tremendous speed," he says.

"We've had kids and a number of elderly people knocked down.

"It's only a matter of time until someone's killed.

"We need something to slow the traffic down, even some lights."

Mr Carrodus has started a petition he says will be presented to the council and police.

"We've got 240 signatures so far," he says.

Waitakere City Council public affairs director Wally Thomas says the council is happy to look at the school's concerns.

"If it's to do with the design of the road, or the increasing numbers of cars using it, we will definitely look at it because safety is not negotiable."

"But we can't stop people speeding - that's a police issue."

Mr Thomas says the council is already putting together a travel plan with schools to improve road speed and safety in the area.

Flanshaw Rd, Tirimoana, Rangeview and Freyberg schools are all part of the project but Edmonton chose not to participate, he says.

Mr Thomas says the council has already funded work at the school's entrance, including extra pick-up and drop-off points for cars and new road markings.

Western Leader