Safe School Speeds is a pilot programme that AT is trialling with a number of schools around Auckland. We will reduce the speed around several schools using temporary changes like street art, planter boxes and other measures to reduce the risk of death and serious injury.

It’s a consultation by trial approach - Rather than proposing designs online or in a brochure, communities can interact with proposed street changes in a real-life context. Installations are adaptable.

Ultimately successful trials will lead to a permanent solution, which will take on board feedback collected from the community during the trial period.

The work we’re doing

During July and August 2021, AT installed some changes that align with feedback received from co-design sessions with Grey Lynn School.

We have included a map to show you what has been installed.

The changes which feature on Surrey Crescent, Browning Street, Firth Street and Selbourne Street are:

• School zone markings which act as a visual cue to drivers that they are entering a slow speed area as well as new speed bumps
• Drop-off and pick-up zones outside school gates in the vicinity of 1 and 9 Surrey Crescent indicated by a purple painted kerb and signage
• Kerb buildouts along Surrey Crescent, Browning Street, and Firth Street to reduce lane width to slow down vehicle speeds around the school and to prevent illegal parking
• Street art within kerb buildouts and on the footpath with a specific theme chosen by Grey Lynn Primary School. This will complement the overall design scheme for the area by creating a clearly visible, vibrant and safe school zone.

Wherever possible we have used material and colours that will help enhance the vibrancy of the area. This serves as an effective visual queue to motorists, that they are entering an area with lots of people moving around.

How long will these measures be here for

The trial has been extended and remains in place. Feedback was collected in 2022 as part of the Grey Lynn and Westmere Safety improvements. Initially we were hoping to make any permanent changes to the trial in 2022.

Project updates

May 2023

We wish to thank everyone for their feedback on this trial to date and ongoing patience. The Grey Lynn School trial has been extended due to unforeseen circumstances. Any permanent work on this trial was to be included as part of the Grey Lynn to Westmere Improvements (formerly Waitematā Safe Routes) project, however this project is no longer going ahead at this time.

Instead, the Grey Lynn School trial team have arranged for maintenance work in the area to bring the existing temporary measures back to their original specifications as an interim safety measure. The interim work includes replacing missing bollards and line marking.

AT is still working on getting the permanent final layout designed for the area which will include raising the pedestrian crossing outside the school. This will need to meet new specifications but as a result it will be less likely to cause vibration and noise issues. We also need to consider the potential for a future cycling project in the area as well. AT will also engage with the community prior to finalising any design and we will also be securing funding for construction.