Northlands Primary School in Durban North just got a little brighter with daisies to bring more awareness to its zebra crossing and tackle the daily school drop-off traffic congestion. Pictured left to right: Amara Balgobind, Riley Warne, Arhan Ramkisson, Rachel Burton, Emily Dimopoulos, Zothile Duma and Mason Gomes
Image: Leon Lestrade / Independent Newspapers
IN a unique way to draw attention road safety and alleviate traffic congestion around Northlands Primary School, bold painted daisies now adorn the zebra crossing, encouraging both drivers and pedestrians to embrace a more relaxed approach during rush hour.
The initiative comes in response to recent criticisms of traffic snarls affecting schools across the Durban North area, with Northlands Primary opting for a light-hearted solution that draws attention to the need for patience and courtesy on the roads.
To create awareness around a very sensitive topic, Northlands Primary decided to draw attention to their own Zebra Crossing and turned it into a “Daisy Crossing”.
Caroline Hockly, head of marketing and communications at Northlands Primary School, said the “Daisy Crossing” was inspired by a similar artistic intervention found on Strand Street in Cape Town.
There, the street art by SkinnylaMinx successfully transformed a busy intersection into a safer and more inviting space for pedestrians.
According to SkinnylaMinx social media post, the tactical urbanism intervention highlights pedestrians, slows traffic, and transforms one of the inner city’s busiest corridors into a safer, more welcoming place to walk. It’s a reminder that small, thoughtful actions can reshape our city, creating a space with care, creativity and hope for all.
Hockly said traffic congestion was a common problem at schools and people forget that schools are in residential areas.
"Managing traffic at drop-off and pick-up for a school is enormously frustrating for anyone living near a school. The traffic results in a lot of frayed tempers. Many times it is not just our parents, but school transport companies, taxis and even Uber drivers, who refuse to listen to our pleas to not stop in a drop and go area or to double park.
"We decided to have a bit of fun by painting the daisies and reminding drivers that there are children crossing, to slow down, be patient, and embrace the simplicity of the flowers, just chill out and smile," said Hockly.
She said the initiative has already caught the attention of other schools.
Northlands Primary School in Durban North just got a little brighter with daisies to bring more awareness to its zebra crossing and tackle the daily school drop-off traffic congestion. Pictured left to right: Amara Balgobind, Riley Warne, Arhan Ramkisson, Rachel Burton, Emily Dimopoulos, Zothile Duma and Mason Gomes
Image: Leon Lestrade/Independent Newspapers