To make the journey to school safer for our tamariki, Whakatāne District Council is installing “Kiss and Go” zones outside three Whakatāne schools this week.

The “Kiss and Go” zones will be installed outside Apanui School, St Joseph’s Catholic School Whakatāne and James Street School.

Council Manager Transportation Martin Taylor said the “Kiss and Go” zones will make the journey to and from school safer for all tamariki and alleviate traffic congestion on these roads at peak times.

“For those whānau who drop-off their tamariki at school by car, this will mean they have a designated zone to stop and safely let their children out of the car,” he said.

“The ‘Kiss and Go’ zone will also improve safety for our tamariki who walk or cycle to school as it will reduce instances of illegal parking and it will provide more certainty around vehicle movements.”

Council had been approached by members of school boards to install the new zones.

To keep the “Kiss and Go” zones free for everyone, and to keep traffic moving, parents and caregivers may only park in the zone for two minutes.

This time restriction only applies during school drop-off and pick-up times, 8.20am – 9am and 2.30pm – 3pm on weekdays.