The Tamaki-Makaurau Road Safety Governance Group announced on September 3 that Auckland is now a Vision Zero region.
This means Auckland’s goal is to have no deaths or serious injuries on the transport network by 2050.
The Group is made up of Auckland Transport (AT), NZ Transport Agency, Ministry of Transport, Auckland Council, Auckland Regional Public Health Service and Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) which will work together to achieve this goal.
“We will make this happen using an evidence-based approach and by refusing to trade off people’s safety for other benefits,” AT said in a statement.
Vision Zero is based on a Swedish ethics approach that human life and health is the core principle and can never be exchanged for anything within society.
“Imagine an Auckland where our children look forward to walking or cycling to their school, local dairy or sports practice… If that sounds familiar, it’s because many of us grew up this way.”
The top reason for parents not letting their children actively commute to school is the fear of speeding cars.
AT executive safety general manager Bryan Sherritt says other major cities around the globe have successfully implemented the Vision Zero approach and have seen the immediate benefits.
“Auckland is joining other cities around the world to continue to trend and save lives,” Sherritt says. “We agree with our government that too many people are dying on our roads, streets and footpaths, and we can’t sit by and do nothing.
“Vision Zero includes creating a more walkable and cyclable city where parents have the confidence to allow their children to run around local streets and be kids. Under Vision Zero, everyone can enjoy access to public transport, or other mobility options and know they’ll get home safe.”
The approach has had strong support from the Auckland Regional Public Health Service and the police.
Clinical director Julia Peters says it is no longer acceptable to trade human life for mere convenience.
Waitemata district commander Naila Hassan says police are proud to be a part of the vision.
“We’re partnering with road controlling authorities, iwi, community groups and schools; along with every driver, rider and pedestrian to achieve our Vision Zero goal,” Hassan says.
