Fowlds Avenue Safer School Links
Engagement Completed
Thank you to everyone who reached out with questions and shared their insights. The engagement for this project has finished.
In early February 2026, we proposed safety improvements on Fowlds Avenue through the installation of two raised pedestrian crossings.
Community Feedback
Thank you for helping us make better decisions for your neighbourhood, informed by your local knowledge.
Community feedback discussed benefits, concerns and suggestions for the project.
People told us:
The proposed raised crossings are welcomed and overdue
Safety improvements on Fowlds Avenue are needed, especially for school children from Wesley Primary, Edendale, Kowhai Intermediate, Balmoral School and Mount Albert Grammar
Some respondents requested additional safety improvements, including a raised crossing at the St Luke’s Road/Fowlds Avenue intersection
Some raised additional concerns about Sandringham Road crossings near the shops and Wesley Community Centre
People also shared concerns regarding the proposal, including:
Crash data accuracy — one respondent disputed the framing of crash history, noting the Local Board Crash Data Dashboard shows four crashes, none involving pedestrians
We acknowledge the point and apologise for any potential misleading due to wording. We clarified that the proposal is proactive — designed to protect pedestrians and improve conditions before a serious pedestrian crash occurs, rather than being solely justified by past crashes.
Clearway/parking restriction removal — one resident raised concern that removing the 9am – 11am western-side restriction would enable all-day parking by workers in the area.
We responded that the clearway removal is being considered provisionally pending community feedback and observation. We acknowledged the needs of residents with and without off-street parking, and explained that a residential parking zone is not currently considered but can be requested through the contact centre.
Driveway visibility and parking line markings — a resident requested "hockey stick" markings on the western side of the road
We advised that we would not normally install these markings, as the usual requirements are not met. However, given the road’s proximity to St Lukes, we consider there is sufficient justification for adding additional hockey stick line markings to help manage the increased parking demand and related borderline parking behaviour.
What happens next
After receiving the feedback, we are proceeding with the following changes to the design:
- Extending grass buildouts to reduce crossing distance
- New Hockey stick markings to aid with parking in the area
Please find the updated drawings here
We anticipate these changes will be constructed in June 2026.
We'll be in touch with local residents before any changes take place.
Making our community safer, one step at a time
Currently, Fowlds Avenue lacks any zebra crossings making crossing between gaps in busy traffic an ongoing risk for our tamariki. Average vehicle speeds pose a significant risk to pedestrians and there have also been a significant number of serious car crashes along the road in its history.
The Fowlds Avenue Safer School Links project aims to improve safety for school children in Sandringham crossing this busy road, encouraging more walking and cycling to and from school. The benefits will also be enjoyed all other pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike.
We previously engaged with the community on this project in 2025. We are now seeking further feedback in 2026 to reflect updates to the project and ensure community views continue to be considered as the work progresses.
Proposed Solution
To enhance safety for everyone on Fowlds Avenue, we propose to install two raised pedestrian crossings outside No. 51 and No. 33 Fowlds Avenue. The crossings will have:
- Long Swedish-style ramps which provide a gentler departure, minimising noise and vibration. The central islands will also be widened to reduce crossing distance and narrow the lanes to encourage motorists to further slow their approach.
- Modern pram ramps with yellow tactile pavers to highlight the crossing points especially for those with limited or no vision.
- Improved streetlighting to ensure people are clearly visible at all times. The new lamp columns will be shielded to minimise light pollution into adjacent properties.
- Supporting line markings and signage to highlight the crossings and emphasise to drivers that school children are present in the area.
Due to this being an upgrade to existing crossings, the project will only require the removal of one parking space outside No. 35. This will help approaching vehicles see pedestrians who are about to cross and stop in time to prevent an accident. At the same time, we will be removing the existing clearway restrictions and redundant bus stop markings effectively increasing total parking availability in the area.
Benefits to your neighbourhood
This project will make it safer and easier for people to walk to nearby schools and homes by providing clearer, more visible crossing points that drivers can better anticipate. It is designed to better support those who need it most, including school children, older people, and anyone with mobility or accessibility challenges. The improvements also help prepare the area for more people choosing to walk in the future, creating a safer and more welcoming street for everyone.
Project Timeline: Design is anticipated to be completed in 2025. Funding for construction is to be confirmed. Construction aimed in 2026.
