Motorcycles
Council would like to encourage motorcycle riders to be more visible on the roads. To help with this, we are offering free safety packs to local riders which include a high visibility safety vest. To get yours, drop in to the Council office at 82 Manukau Rd, Pukekohe.
For more information on safe motorcycling go to:
www.rideforever.co.nz
www.scootersurvival.co.nz
Motorcycle Basic Skills Handling Tests
In conjunction with ACC and NZ Police, Council are holding handling skills tests. This is the first step to obtaining your Learner's Motorcycle Licence. This is not a training session, you must have practised the required skills as explained in the road code, before sitting this test. Testing will be held on the following dates at a cost of $50:
Saturday 23 January
Saturday 20 February
Saturday 20 March
Saturday 17 April
Contact Monique on 237 1304 ext 4686 or 027 271 0795 to reserve your place.
Child Restraints
Franklin District Council, Plunket and the Police all work together within Franklin to promote the safe use of car seats and other child restraints. Part of what we do is to support Plunket to hold restraint clinics where people can come and have their car seats and booster seats checked and helped to install seats correctly.
There are some general tips that everyone should be aware of if they have a child under eight in the car:
- In New Zealand it is compulsory to use a child restraint for children under five.
- It is recommended that children from five to eight continue to use a booster, half seat or child harness.
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use the right type of seat for your childs age and size.
- The back seat is the safest position for your child restraint.
- Never place an infant restraint or child in the front seat with an air bag.
- Infant child restraints for children under one should be rear facing.
- Fit the child restraint in the car as firmly as possible. Kneeling in the child restraint as you tighten the safety belt can help to get a secure fit.
- Make sure that any extra parts like a locking clip, tether strap and anchor bolt are used correctly.
- Put your baby’s or child’s bottom well back in the child restraint.
- Ensure the straps and the safety belt are not twisted, or frayed.
Safekids NZ recently launched a campaign focusing on child passenger safety, promoting booster suits and correct installation of child restraints. Click the link below to read more.
SADD
SADD (Students Against Driving Drunk) is run by students for students and has been in New Zealand secondary schools for 21 years. It's primary objective is to reduce the harm caused on our roads by drunk drivers.
If you are interested in starting a SADD group at your school and want some ideas and support, please contact Franklin District Council’s Road Safety Coordinator, Monique Haines on 09 237 1300.
TravelWise Programme
The TravelWise for Schools programme encourages schools, parents and pupils to work together to make it safer and easier for children to get to school and many of these ways also increase children’s fitness and health. In the past 20 years, the percentage of children being driven to school has more than doubled. Car trips to school add to traffic congestion, parking problems, air pollution and risk of crashes. When travelling by car, parents and children miss valuable opportunities to walk with friends and get to know their local community.
A School Travel Plan is developed together with Council, Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA) and your school that gives safe alternatives and options for school travel. To date Valley, Patumahoe and Harrisville Schools have joined this programme. It is hoped that more schools will become involved in the TravelWise programme within Franklin.
For further information: