In reply to Noel Wylies letter regarding the Kea crossing at Bethlehem School.
The crossing on Carmichael Road is a Kea crossing, but the crossing I referred to on Bethlehem Road is a pedestrian crossing, hence the permanent crossing markings. This crossing is currently patrolled by school patrols which the children operate before and after school alongside an adult.
I have spoken to the Police Road Safety Coordinator to clarify the rules regarding this crossing.
When the patrol is on duty you must stop if people are waiting to cross.
The "diamond" on the road before the crossing is the point which indicates you must prepare to stop for pedestrians waiting to cross. The "diamond" is at a distance determined to be within a safe stopping distance for a vehicle travelling at the correct speed limit. When the patrols are off duty, it reverts back to "pedestrian crossing" rules. Refer to Road Code if unsure. As we all know, children of this age cannot correctly perceive the speed a vehicle is travelling. I figure it is better to err on the side of caution when approaching pedestrian and school crossings. There is a high volume of traffic passing along Bethlehem Road before and after school, hence the need for added safety measures.
I welcome you to visit the school patrol in action after school. The school has a roster which will enlighten you when I am on duty.
Andrea Hoyle, Bethlehem.