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George Street, Newmarket - Raised zebra crossing George Street, Newmarket - Raised zebra crossing

Proposal status: Feedback closed 9 April 2021. Last updated 21 May 2021

Reference number: SSP2021-007B

Proposal outcome

In March 2021, we proposed changes to improve pedestrian safety on George Street in Newmarket. We received very supportive responses to this proposal and are proceeding with the work as proposed. These works will help support our Vision Zero goal.

What happens next

We are moving to the next stage of the process: detailed design. We anticipate the raised crossing will be constructed in the next year. We will be in touch with nearby residents and businesses prior to any construction taking place.

Community feedback

Thank you for adding your voice to this proposal. Your local knowledge has helped us make this decision for your neighbourhood. A summary of your comments and queries, and our responses to them, is below.

  • Query about the crossing’s accessibility for wheelchair users, and a query about whether the additional signage will make the footpath less accessible.
    The proposed raised crossing table will be level with the existing footpath so wheelchair users will be able to access the crossing without the need of the usual footpath ramp. We will be moving the existing signs on the kerb buildouts to advise motorists of the zebra crossing and the newly extended kerb, along with adding an additional sign on each approach advising motorists of the raised table. All three of these signs will be installed on the extended kerbs and will not be in the way of the footpath. One ‘School Crossing’ sign will be installed on the southern footpath, but there will still be enough footpath space for wheelchairs and prams.
  • Suggestion that a standard zebra crossing is enough, and that a raised zebra crossing will be too expensive.
    There is currently a standard zebra crossing at this location. People have reported safety concerns to us about this crossing because drivers are often travelling at high speeds on George Street and fail to stop for pedestrians at the crossing. Our engineers investigated the area and decided we needed to upgrade the crossing, especially because many people cross the road at this point of George St, including the children attending the local schools. By upgrading this crossing to a raised table zebra crossing, we will be able to encourage slower vehicle speeds through the area and raise driver awareness of the crossing.

We're proposing improvements in your area

Aucklanders have told us that moving around our city safely and easily is important to them. We are proposing some improvements to your area and are asking for your views.

We want to improve the safety of people crossing at 39 George Street, in particular school children and those visiting the Auckland Domain, by upgrading the existing zebra crossing to a raised zebra crossing.

The changes we are proposing:

  • Upgrade the existing zebra crossing at 39 George Street to a zebra crossing that is raised to a platform level with the footpath.
  • Build out and repair the footpath on both sides of the crossing. This will reduce the crossing distance and increase visibility between drivers and people crossing.
  • Install tactile pavers which are yellow guidance paving markers to help visually impaired people to find their way to the crossing and safely cross the road.
  • Add orange reflective discs which will help make crossings more visible to drivers.
  • Add a skid-resistant road surface to both approaches to the crossing.
  • Paint new road markings and install signs.
  • Install a new catchpit for stormwater collection.
  • Repaint broken yellow lines (no stopping at all times). No parking spaces will be removed.

Download the proposal drawing for George Street (PDF 770KB)

Auckland Transport would like to work with you to deliver safer roads in your neighbourhood. Users of this crossing have raised safety concerns about drivers failing to stop for pedestrians.

Our investigations show that this is a well used crossing, particularly by students of ACG Parnell College Primary and ACG Parnell College, and visitors to Auckland Domain. Safety around schools is important to us and by making these changes we aim to slow the speed of approaching drivers and make the crossing more visible. The changes will prioritise people crossing the road, in particular school children, and improve the safety for everyone using the road.

This proposal is supported by the Auckland regional fuel tax and is part of the Safe Schools Programme.

If you would like to post in your feedback, download and print our feedback form template, fill in your details and send it freepost using the address details on the form.

What happens next

  • Auckland Council has implemented an Emergency Budget which has reduced AT’s capital and operating budgets. We are seeking feedback now so that we can be prepared once the funding for this project is given the go ahead.
  • We’ll post the outcome of this proposal and a summary of community feedback on this webpage.
  • We can email you the proposal outcome as soon as it’s ready – just select that option when you fill in the survey.

Newmarket: Safe with us

Auckland Transport cares for your safety. We want to make our roads safe for everyone, people walking and cycling, especially for our kids and senior citizens and people driving. Projects like this one around George Street are another step towards our goal of achieving no deaths or serious injuries on our roads. We are guided by the Vision Zero approach to transport safety, which prioritises human safety over other measures (like minor time saving).