Council cuts speed limits by schools
Speed limits are going down permanently around 10 schools in the Stratford District from Monday to make it safer for children.
The Stratford District Council decided to move ahead with fixed school zone speed limits last year before the change in government, after consulting school communities and affected residents.
The new limits vary but most urban school limits drop to 30kph and country schools go down to 60kph or 30kph from 100kph. The new speed limits are fixed, meaning that drivers will need to observe the limits 24 hours a day, council roading asset manager Steve Bowden said.
This would help make it safer for students, staff, and families outside of dropoff and pick-up times, and it would save the council money, he said. “Many families are taking advantage of school playgrounds and facilities outside of school hours and it’s great to know these community spaces will be a little safer 24/7.”
Variable speed limits, which lower speeds during school drop-off and pick-up times only, would have come at a much higher cost for ratepayers, with the price for a single electronic variable speed sign, reaching up to $10,000.
“It might seem like a bit of an inconvenience to motorists, but it’ll have a big positive impact on children. We’ve heard from parents who aren’t confident letting their kids try biking or scootering to school, and lowering speed limits around kura can help to give a bit of reassurance.”
Recently, the coalition Government announced its intention to have a new land transport rule in place by the end of 2024 that may enforce a change in regard to school zones.
The Government will be seeking public submissions later this year. The council would consider any implications for Stratford district when more information became available.