New ‘look’ for Carterton pedestrian crossings

The new “look” signage at one of three Carterton pedestrian crossings over High St, with the remains of the previous “Check before you step” warning above it. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

An initiative by Carterton District Council staff has seen new “look” signage added to three pedestrian crossings on High St/State Highway 2 in the town, to encourage pedestrians to take care when crossing the road.

The council said the staff were members of a safety committee who had previously identified the need to repaint old “Check before you step” wording that had become worn and faded.

It said the action was not linked to the injury to chief executive Jane Davis, whose leg was broken in two places after she was hit by a car while on the pedestrian crossing in July.

Carterton Medical Centre staff had raised concerns about how busy the crossing outside their building had become.

The “look” signs have been painted at three crossings so far – outside the medical centre, the crossing at the clocktower, and the crossing at Memorial Square – but the council said there was potential to add the “look” to other crossings in the district.

The paint used was chosen because it is more noticeable and durable than that used for previous markings.

“The repaint was prompted by the fact our roads are becoming increasingly busy in conjunction with the high use of the crossings,” the council said.

“It is a priority for our council to keep our community as safe as we can. As our High Street is part of State Highway 2, we are unable to implement any safety features along the road itself as it belongs to the New Zealand Transport Agency but the council is currently liaising with NZTA around how safety can be improved for all road users along our High St.

“Safety along our High Street and particularly the pedestrian crossings are a concern to many people … Any safety concerns which are brought to our attention and are within our means will obviously be promptly addressed.”