James Hargest College principal Anna McDowall said student safety was paramount and the lights at the Queens Dr pedestrian crossing would make a big difference.
The Invercargill City Council agreed last week to proceed with the $250,000 cost of installing the lights, with the work to be undertaken during the 2026-27 financial year.
Concerns over student safety on the four-lane crossing had prompted former principal Mike Newell and junior school campus deputy principal Kristine Simpson to address the council’s infrastructure and growth committee in February.
Mr Newell told the meeting driver behaviour outside the junior campus entrance was very concerning and school staff had feared it was only a matter of time before someone was injured or worse.
The school had tried various ways to make the situation safer, including asking police to sit outside the school, requesting parents to help monitor the crossing and regular training of the road patrol students.
Cr Ian Pottinger told the February meeting he had visited the crossing and ‘‘it was a real education’’.
‘‘It is Russian roulette, I totally agree.’’
The council’s then infrastructure acting group manager, now chief engineer, Russell Pearson said there was no funding available to install signals.
He said his team would investigate the situation and report back to the council.
That report was presented at Tuesday’s infrastructure and growth committee meeting, where the, recommendation was passed for the traffic signals to be installed.
Cr Alex Crackett said it was an ‘‘excellent outcome’’ for an issue raised at public forum.
After the meeting Mrs McDowall said she was grateful to the council and thanked those who advocated for the ‘‘important project’’.
‘‘It is a wonderful result.’’
