Pedestrian safety success

A potentially life-saving pedestrian crossing has been the cause of an 18-month-long debate between Auckland Transport and the Birkenhead community.

Now, the crossing has progressed to the public submission stage, which has left advocates delighted.

Birkenhead’s Hinemoa St is the main route from Highbury town centre to the Birkenhead Ferry Terminal and is on the Auckland cycle route.

The busy street is also home to a community facility with an early childhood centre, a preschool, and a group of shops and cafes. However, currently there are no pedestrian crossings installed along this route.

Highbury House’s manager Angela Spooner said she wasn’t happy with AT’s rejection of her initial proposal to install a pedestrian crossing, so she appealed.

‘‘The pedestrian crossing will slow the traffic down and make it safer for everyone,’’ she said.

After an 18 month debate, Spooner was successful. The proposal is to install a crossing at 100 Hinemoa St, outside Coffee General and just before Rugby Rd.

North Shore Ward Councillor Richard Hills has been another strong advocate saying that for pedestrian safety, the crossing is essential.

Also, investing in these sorts of projects will encourage people to not use their cars when going on shorter journeys, Hills said.

LAINE MOGER/STUFF Highbury House manager Angela Spooner appealed to AT for nearly two years on behalf of her community’s safety.