Police will be keeping a watch on driver behaviour around roadworks in Green Island during the next two weeks, with the aim of catching drivers behaving well.
Acting Sergeant Chris Lemon said Dunedin police were keen to work with communities to promote safe and considerate driving, particularly around roadworks.
"Police rely on the community to help us achieve our goal of safer roads in New Zealand,'' Sgt Lemon said.
"So, we will be offering thanks to considerate drivers.''
With the construction of three roundabouts at Green Island causing disruption to traffic in the area, it seemed a good place to trial the project, Sgt Lemon said.
"We have heard that driver behaviour around the site has been pretty good, so we are just keen to help keep everyone patient and realising that there will be delays,'' he said.
Police will observe drivers and will have small items to give away, such as windscreen ice scrapers, as a reward for being considerate.
"If the scheme is successful in Green Island, we are hoping to extend it to other major road works sites in other communities around the city,'' Sgt Lemon said.
"And it could even be extended to problem intersections, or perhaps around schools.''
The Greater Green Island Community Network aims to support the police effort by contacting businesses in the area with a request for donations of small items to hand out to drivers.
Any businesses interested in supporting the project are welcome to contact the network, phone (03) 470-0814, or visit the website www.greatergreenisland.nz.
BRENDA.HARWOOD @thestar.co.nz
