New variable speed limits for schools

New variable speed limit signs are being installed outside schools across the Whanganui district as part of a nationwide programme to improve safety for children travelling to and from school following changes to government regulations.

The changes are required under the Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2024, which requires councils and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi to introduce safe variable speed limits outside schools by 1 July 2026.

The new speed limits will apply during school drop-off and pick-up times, when roads around schools are at their busiest and children are most likely to be walking, cycling, scootering or crossing the road. The signs will be a mixture of digital and static signs - around 50 digital and more than 150 static signs are expected to be installed.

What is changing?

For schools on local (urban) roads, the speed limit will reduce from 50km/h to 30km/h during designated school travel times.

Schools located on state highways or higher-speed roads will generally have variable speed limits of up to 60km/h, reflecting the different road environments and existing permanent speed limits.

The lower speed limits will only apply during specified times before and after school (with timings set by each school), for example, between 8.30am-9.00am and 2.55pm-3.20pm.. At all other times, the normal speed limit will remain in place.

A mix of static and electronic signs will be installed. Electronic signs will be used on busier roads where greater visibility is needed, while static signs showing the operating times will be used in lower-volume locations.

Why are the changes needed?

Research consistently shows that lower vehicle speeds significantly reduce both the likelihood of a crash occurring and the severity of injuries when crashes do happen.

Children can be unpredictable road users. They may be distracted, misjudge vehicle speeds, or step onto the road unexpectedly. Lower speeds give drivers more time to react and greatly improve the chances of avoiding a collision.

Reducing vehicle speeds around schools also helps create an environment where more families feel comfortable allowing children to walk, cycle or scooter to school. This supports healthier lifestyles, reduces traffic congestion around school gates and contributes to safer neighbourhoods.

The programme aligns with a wider national focus on improving safety around schools and ensuring children can travel to and from school as safely as possible.

Schools had their say

As part of the rollout, schools were invited to provide feedback on the proposed speed limits and sign locations.

Feedback was generally positive, with schools recognising the safety benefits of lower speeds during busy arrival and departure periods. The changes reflect a shared commitment between us, schools and Waka Kotahi to improve safety for students, whānau and the wider community.

The project is being delivered at a total cost of $690,000 for the Whanganui district with 62 percent of the total cost of the new rules subsidised by NZTA. The remainder is required to be funded by the council.

Installation of the new signs will take place over the coming weeks.

Drivers are encouraged to look out for the new signs and remember that the reduced speed limits only apply during the times shown on the signs.

Image: The new digital sign outside Carlton School on SH3. The 30 km/h speed limit will apply during peak drop-off and pick-up times.