Variable speed limits outside schools are changing in line with the Government’s Setting of Speed Limits Rule 2024.
This rule requires us to implement variable speed limits during 'school travel periods' outside all Whangārei District schools.
The variable speeds are:
Category one schools are more likely to be in areas with existing 50km/h speed limits. These areas, typically in built-up urban areas, potentially have high numbers of more vulnerable road users in the vicinity (adult / child pedestrians, cyclists, micro-mobility users) with consequently higher risk.
Schools in category two are more likely to be in areas with less comparative risk to vulnerable road users (for example, where pupils are generally driven or bussed to school, as distances make active transport modes less practical, and pick up / drop off space is provided off-road). Existing speed limits may, for example, be 60-100km/h. In Whangārei, we have very few category two schools.
Some schools already have variable speed limits of 40km/h in place. These will lower to 30km/h, and the zones will remain the same, provided they meet the requirements of the new rule.
Timings of variable limits – school travel periods can vary from school to school. The new rule allows for a 45-minute window of variable speeds at the start and end of the school day.
The proposed speed limit extents are shown as the yellow lines on the linked GIS map below.
As we roll out these changes, we're contacting schools to check our plan with them.
On quieter streets, we'll use static variable signs.
On roads with typically higher vehicle volumes and speeds, we’re planning to install electronic variable signs.
Additional signage such as ‘school zone ends’ and ‘school kura’ signs will also be installed as part of this project.
See the project page for details