New Zealand invests in roads to boost foreign driver safety

New Zealand's road infrastructure agency is investing 25 million NZ dollars (16.66 million U.S. dollars) in measures to cut the number of serious road crashes involving foreign tourists, Associate Transport Minister Craig Foss said Wednesday.

While the program of initiatives was still being developed, it was likely to include further rumble strips, improved rest area signage, barriers, slow vehicle bays, shoulder widening and more "keep left" arrows, Foss said in a statement.

The initiatives would build on the Visiting Driver Signature Project (VDSP) developed by public and private organizations over the last six months to educate visiting drivers about New Zealand roads and driving conditions.

"This is about saving lives and reducing the harm we've all seen caused on our roads, especially around some of our most popular tourist destinations," said Foss.

"The list of both government and private sector safety initiatives is extensive and covers every stage of a tourist's visit - planning, booking, in-flight, on arrival and on our roads," he said.

"Still, there is more to be done. This additional investment will help strengthen and reinvigorate our efforts to ensure visitors have a safe and enjoyable time in New Zealand."

The government said in June that every visitor arriving from China was to receive a leaflet titled "Driving Safely in New Zealand."

The Tourism Industry Association and Rental Vehicle Association have been developing a code of practice for rental vehicle companies.

The moves follow a spate of serious injury and fatal accidents involving foreign motorists. Endit