The City of Taranaki continues to reduce fixed speed limits around schools

Lower speed limits will apply on some roads near schools in Stratford from Monday. (File photo)
Photo: RNZ/Nick Monro

A small Taranaki town, Stratford, is continuing to reduce fixed speed limits near ten schools, despite the government’s intention to introduce variable speed limits around schools by the end of the year.

Stratford District Council (SDC) said the new fixed limits, of 30 or 60 km/h, will come into effect from Monday, May 6.

They would make the area safer for children, school staff and families, SDC road manager Stephen Bowden said.

The new limits are fixed, meaning they will be in effect 24 hours a day.

They were adopted by the council last year after consultation with the community, and before the change of government.

Under the previous Labor Party-led government, work was done by NZTA Waka Kotahi to reduce the speed limit near schools to 30 km/h.

But in December, under the new National Government, Transport Minister Simeon Brown said NZTA had been ordered to stop work on speed reductions for schools. The government was instead working on a new land transport policy, due to be signed by the end of the year, that would include variable speed limits at schools (for pick-up and drop-off times only, instead of 24 hours a day) to ensure provide a transportation system to get people to their places faster, boosting productivity and economic growth.

However, SDC said that setting variable speed limits with different speeds at different times of day would have cost up to $10,000 for each digital sign. While children and families would often arrive or leave school outside the main pick-up and drop-off times, the fixed speed limits would also protect them.

“Many families use school playgrounds and facilities outside of school hours and it’s great to know that these communal areas will be a little safer 24/7,” Bowden said.

The lower speed zones would help children build their confidence to cycle and walk to school, he said.

“We have heard from parents who are unsure whether their children can cycle or scooter to school, and lowering the speed limits around Kura could help provide some reassurance.

“For drivers it may seem like an inconvenience, but for children it will have a major positive impact. As a driver, I think it is worth an extra moment in the car.”

The Stratford schools with new speed zones are:

New 30 km/h zones

Avon school (was 50 km/h)

Midhirst School, Erin Street and Denmark Terrace (was 50 km/h)

Stratford Primary School (was 40 km/h variable)

Stratford High School (was 50 km/h)

St. Joseph primary school (was 50 km/h)

St Mary’s Diocesan School, Pembroke Road West facade (was 50 km/h)

Makahu School, frontage Mangaehu Road (was 100 km/h)

New 60 km/h zones

Pembroke School, along the intersection (was 100 km/h)

Marco School, frontage Marco Road (was 100 km/h)

Ngaere School, frontage of Cheal Road (was 100 km/h)