New school speed limits designed to keep community safer

Published on 26 June 2026

New variable speed limit signs are being installed outside schools across the Whanganui district to help keep tamariki safe during busy drop-off and pick-up times following changes to government regulations.

The signs are being introduced as part of a nationwide programme required under the Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2024, which requires councils and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi to implement safe variable speed limits outside schools by 1 July 2026.

Schools were invited to provide feedback on the proposed changes and sign locations, with feedback generally supportive and recognising the safety benefits of lower speeds during peak travel times.

Whanganui Mayor Andrew Tripe says the new national requirements are ultimately about creating safer environments around schools.

"Children should be able to get to and from school safely, whether they're walking, biking, scootering or arriving by car. These variable speed limits are a practical way to improve safety at the times when school gates are busiest.

"Lower speeds significantly reduce the risk of serious injury if a crash occurs, and they're a simple step that can make a real difference for our school children and wider community."

The $690,000 project includes digital and static signs at 40 schools across the district. NZTA will subsidise 62 percent of the cost of the new rules, with the remainder required to be funded by the council.

Schools on urban roads will have a 30km/h variable speed limit during morning and afternoon school travel times. Schools on state highways and higher-speed roads will have variable speed limits of up to 60km/h, depending on the road environment and existing permanent speed limit.

Carlton School principal Gary Johnston says the reduction to 30km/h at peak times will have a huge impact on safety, as the school is on SH3.

"Being located on a busy state highway means our school gates open directly onto high-volume traffic every day. These new peak-time speed limits and signs will be an absolute game-changer for the safety of our tamariki, staff and whānau.

"It lowers the risk at our busiest times of day, gives drivers a clear visual cue to slow down, and ultimately ensures that our school community can arrive and leave safely."

Westmere School will see speeds drop to 40km/h at peak times.

Principal Phil Walker says the rural school, on the corner of Francis Road and Rapanui Road, is pleased with the speed limit changes.

"These changes directly address safety concerns involving speeding vehicles on busy roads around our school.

"We're thankful to those responsible for this initiative, as lowering these limits will help ensure our children and community are safer, especially during busy pick-up and drop-off times."

Drivers are reminded that the lower speed limits apply only during the times shown on the signs. At all other times, the normal speed limit remains in place.

For more information about variable speed limits around schools, visit our Latest on Local Issues page.