Slow down near schools

With many schools starting the new school year this week, Christchurch City Council is reminding drivers of the lower speeds that apply outside our city’s schools.

In 2024, the Government introduced a new Setting of Speed Limits Rule 2024. This rule requires local authorities to implement variable speed limits of 30km/h during 'school travel periods' outside all schools.

The Council has been installing new variable 30km/h speed limit signage outside school gates. The variable speed will apply approximately 150 metres either side of each school gate.

“‘Variable’ means the speed limit varies during the day. During school travel periods the speed limit will be 30km/h. Outside these times, the usual speed limit on the road will apply,” says Stephen Wright, Head of Transport.

“Lowering speed limits at the start and end of the school day will help to make it safer for tamariki and rangatahi to get to schools and kura in Ōtautahi Christchurch and Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū Banks Peninsula.”

On main connector roads, where there are typically higher vehicle volumes and speeds, electronic variable signs will indicate the speed that applies. On local neighbourhood streets, drivers will see static variable signs that list the times when the 30km/h speed limit applies.

Signs are continuing to be installed outside schools across the city. When driving, if you approach a variable speed sign during the applicable time, you must slow down to the speed limit shown on the sign and travel at this speed until you pass another speed limit sign.