A variable speed limit change will make travel safer for tamariki and whānau at two Motueka Schools.
From Monday, 22 May, a new variable speed limit will be in place on State Highway 60, High Street, for the Motueka South and Saint Peter Chanel schools.
The changes will see the existing 40 km/h school variable speed limit change to 30 km/h during peak school times – when children arrive at and leave school. A 50 km/h speed limit will apply outside peak school times. Variable speed limits are an enforceable speed limit.
The variable speed limit will operate from 8.25 am to 9 am and 2.55 pm to 3.15 pm during a school term. It may operate at other times when school-related vehicle or pedestrian activities occur. When the variable speed limit is active, the 30km/h speed limit will be displayed on electronic signs on the road approaching the schools.
Lauretta Haskell, Acting Principal for Motueka South School, says the speed limit change is good news.
“It will make drivers’ more aware of the children when they’re crossing the road. That cuts the risk of collisions and injuries. Lowering the speed limit also makes it safer for our ākonga (students) who travel to and from school on bikes, scooters or by foot.”
Principal of St Peter Chanel School, Margaret Campbell-McCauley, also likes the change.
“Children’s safety is hugely important for our school, so any improvement making it safer for our children getting to and from school is great.”
Emma Speight, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport, Director of Regional Relationships, says safer speed limits around schools are critical to New Zealand’s road safety strategy, Road to Zero.
“Everyone in Aotearoa deserves to get to where they are going safely. Making sure children can get to school safely is vital. Changes like this help create liveable places for our communities and improve everyone’s health and wellbeing.”
