They have their own advice for transport officials — reduce the highway’s speed limit to make the area safer.
The area in question north of Dunedin includes a convenience shop on one side of State Highway 1 and a turnoff into the Waitati village on the other.
Crossing the highway has been described as scary and risky due to limited visibility.
A long-running petition calling for a reduction in the speed limit from 100kmh to 70kmh has been signed by more than 900 people.
Asked for comment about children apparently needing to run to beat traffic, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi regional relationships director James Caygill said this was a dangerous strategy and people should instead wait until they had a clear view.
However, Dunedin city councillor and Waitati resident Mandy Mayhem said looking and then running was the only viable strategy, as the road was so busy.
"Honestly, you can’t walk," she said.
Another Waitati resident, Amee Parker, shared a similar assessment at a Dunedin City Council meeting this week.
Dr Parker started the petition in 2017 and Cr Mayhem asked her if she had a method for crossing the road or leaving the shop.
"You have to run," Dr Parker said.
Cr Mayhem was worried about the safety of turning right off the highway into Harvey St to drive into Waitati and about rapid acceleration required when driving away from the shop.
"So many of our senior community ended up having car accidents right outside the store," she said.
A teenage pedestrian was hit by a vehicle last month.
"We’re a very proactive community and we care about our kids," Cr Mayhem said.
"This has given us a huge fright, as it could’ve been anybody’s kid."
Cr Jim O’Malley said the transport agency’s hands were tied by government policy.
Leaving the speed limit at 100kmh would be irresponsible, he said.
Mr Caygill said the government’s policy for setting speed limits would be finalised later this year.
"We will be able to provide more information as government road safety policies take effect," he said.
"Road user and community views on speed limits are important to us and we are always open to receiving feedback from people on highway speed limits."
