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.

How you can have your say

Have your say by emailing us on ATengagement@at.govt.nz with subject "Fowlds Avenue". We will also be door knocking on Sunday 22nd February (or March 1st as a backup) from 1pm, so look out for us in your area (weather permitting).

Feedback is open until Monday 2 March 2026