Te Uru Tarata Lemonwood Grove School & Waitaha School carpark

Lemonwood Grove & Waitaha School Carpark Safety Audit

How can we help children get to school on their own safely? Further to safety concerns regarding the layout and operation of the new school carpark, ViaStrada was engaged by Lemonwood Grove School Board of Trustees to undertake a post construction stage safety audit of the school carpark. The carpark is shared with Waitaha School, a school that caters for special needs children. 

ViaStrada staff reviewed the school travel plan, letters of concern from parents, and conducted site observations to identify design problems. 

The audit identified 18 issues ranging from significant to minor, with key concerns including poorly located pedestrian crossings, lack of defined pedestrian routes through the carpark, inadequate mobility access, and insufficient speed control at the entry. The team also provided concept layout options to guide the school and Selwyn District Council on practical, low-cost improvements to make the carpark safer for all users.

Some of the recommendations have since been implemented, including improved footpaths and a zebra crossing within the carpark that is better located for pedestrian/vehicle intervisibility.