Council is extending the variable speed limit zone outside Tinwald School to include Graham Street, which means traffic must travel at 30km/h at the beginning and end of the school day.

Representatives from the school had asked Council to include Graham Street (which becomes Grahams Road) in the school zone, because of the number of students crossing the street on their way to and from school.

Infrastructure and Open Spaces Group Manager Neil McCann said the 30km/h variable speed limit would be in force from the start of term two.

“The traffic on Graham Street has a usual speed limit of 50km/h but the variable speed limit means traffic must travel at 30km/h between 8.30am and 9.30am and between 2.30pm and 3.30pm on school days. We think this is a positive outcome for the school and that stretch of road will be much safer for the whole school community, while having only a small effect on traffic.”

Signs marking the extended school zone will be up by 28 April.

The Setting of Speed Limits Rule 2024 allowed for static signs to be used to display the day and time the speed limit applied, rather than the previous requirement to have electronic signs.

Mr McCann said the rule also allowed Council to apply practical modifications to the school zone.

“With the pedestrian crossing on Graham Street and the number of students using it to get to school, Council applied for the change and it has now been made to the National Speed Limit Register.”