Council will soon begin installing about 80 new signs, advising motorists that 30km/h speed limits outside schools will become variable speed limits only enforceable at the beginning and end of the school day.

The 30km/h limits will apply from 8.30am to 9.30am and from 2.30pm to 3.30pm on school days. New signs will be installed below the existing speed signs which were installed in May 2023 after new Government legislation; the signs are typically about 150 metres from school entrances.

Group Manager of Infrastructure and Open Spaces Neil McCann said that legislation had been amended by the new National government in the Setting of Speed Limits Rule 2024 that came into force on 1 October 2024 and Councils were now required to have variable rather than permanent speed limits outside schools.

“While the variable limits apply in the morning and afternoon on school days, motorists should always be cautious near schools.”

Mr McCann said there was a largely positive response when the 30km/h limits were put in place.

“A lower limit around schools gives drivers more time to react to hazards and the main complaint was that the 30 km/h speed limit was permanently in place. The change to a variable speed limit will mean outside of school days and the peak morning and afternoon periods, the speed limit will be the same as surrounding roads.”

Council’s roading maintenance contractor HEB will be installing the signs leading up to 27 January 2025.