New road safety signs near rural Mimi School are helping to create a safer zone for kids getting on and off the school bus thanks to funding from NPDC’s Clifton Community Board.
A electronic vehicle-activated “Kura School” sign has been installed on Pukearuhe Road, off SH3 north of Urenui, to warn drivers that they’re approaching the school. The sign features flashing yellow lights and LED text that come on when vehicles approach during school hours, prompting drivers to slow down.
The community board is also funding another electronic sign further along Pukearuhe Road advising drivers to “Slow down” with flashing lights as they approach the intersection with Johnson Road, which has been the scene of numerous scares because of the limited visibility. That sign is due to be installed in the second half of this year.
Mimi School Principal Tom Hardy said the road was noticeably safer for the 14 Mimi schoolchildren and about 10 children going to Waitara schools who use the bus stop each day.
“Drivers are more cautious and aware of the potential of school students crossing. We notice that cars are approaching the school far more slowly and are also stopping to let students cross. It also puts our staff at ease when they are on bus duty before or after school,” said Mr Hardy.
“Parents and caregivers have been overwhelmingly positive. There have been several comments about how much nicer it is to see cars driving slower around their kids and also the ease of now pulling in and out of the school car parks without worrying about cars travelling 100km/h.”
Safety on rural roads, where motorists often travel at speed, is an ongoing concern for residents, especially near schools, said Clifton Community Board Chair Murray Seamark.
“Rural roads are a lifeline for small communities and we need them to be as safe as possible. Our community board discretionary fund enables us to address risks relatively quickly because locals drive these roads every day and they can see where the biggest risks are. We don’t want to wait for an accident to happen before they become an issue,” said Mr Seamark.
The Mimi School safety sign received $15,000 from the board’s 2024-25 funding allocation and the Johnson Road sign $16,500 from the current financial year. This covers the costs of the signs, installation and consenting requirements.
NPDC will manage and maintain both signs.
