Keeping school children safe - New school speed signs on SH6
Roads
If you are dropping off or collecting your child from schools in the top of the South Island, do not be surprised if you see new speed limit signs being installed over the coming weeks.
As part of the Government's Rule for setting speed limits, NZTA/Waka Kotahi is working to have safer speed limits implemented outside schools with a target date of July this year.
Mark Owen, Regional Manager Lower North Island / Top of the South, says there are seven schools on State Highways across Nelson, Tasman, and Marlborough that will benefit from the rollout.
“These schools will have new Variable Speed Limit (VSL) signs installed at their locations. Lower speed limits of 30 km/h will apply during school drop-off and pick-up times.”
“It is all about safety. Speed determines how badly someone is injured when they are struck by a vehicle. Lower speeds increase the chance of surviving an impact. These changes will help keep children safe,” Mr Owen says.
School | State Highway | Variable speed limit | Permanent speed limit |
|---|---|---|---|
Canvastown School | 6 | 30 km/h | 100 km/h |
Golden Bay High School (Te Waka Kura o Mohua) | 60 | 30 km/h | 50 km/h |
Havelock School | 6 | 30 km/h | 50 km/h |
Hira School | 6 | 30 km/h | 80 km/h |
Lake Rotoiti School St Arnaud | 63 | 30 km/h | 50 km/h |
Rai Valley Area School | 6 | 30 km/h | 60 km/h |
Renwick School | 6 | 30 km/h | 50 km/h |
Mr Owen says drivers need to be aware of when the variable speed limits apply and drive accordingly.
“The VSLs operate for up to 90 minutes at the start of the school day and for a similar period when school ends.”
“The signs are easily visible, and drivers must follow the speed limits in place. They will be legally enforceable,” Mr Owen says.
All school VSL sites have been approved under the Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2024 and will be legalised through the National Speed Limit Register, making them subject to enforcement when they ‘go live’.
The rollout is intended to begin on 30 May and all sites within the Top of the South are expected to be completed by the end of June this year. These dates are subject to change due to being part of a multi-region delivery programme. The work is also weather-dependent.
For more information visit the Waka Kotahi NZTA website:
Go to the full media release on the Waka Kotahi NZTA website
