Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Installation and preparation for these VSLs – which indicate on electronic signs the reduced speed limit is in force – is now underway. They will operate at peak times at seven West Coast schools (see list of schools below).
This work by the New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is part of the Government’s approach to setting speed limits under the Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2024, which requires safer speeds outside schools by 1 July 2026. All eligible schools, including those on 100km/h roads, will have variable speed limits installed. At peak times, mainly before and after school, speed limits will drop to 30km/h or 60km/h, depending on the road and safety requirements.
“We know that these reduced speed limits, when in force at school drop-off and pick-up times, can make a real difference in keeping children and their families safe,” says NZTA Director of Regional Relationships, James Caygill.
An example below of existing Variable Speed Limit signage:
The coming addition of the VSLs is being welcomed at the OneSchool Global campus in Greymouth.
“Safety both at school and for our students as they travel to and from school is a priority for us at OneSchool Global,” says Campus Principal Pip Hateley.
“The Variable Speed Limit initiative provides an additional measure of safety for our students and a strong reminder for motorists to take increased caution and care around schools.”
The list of West Coast schools with new VSLs is as follows:
- Granity School
- Greymouth High School
- St Canice’s School, Westport
- Franz Josef Glacier School
- OneSchool Global – Greymouth Campus
- Ross School
- Whataroa School
All VSL sites have been approved under the Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2024 and will be legalised through the National Speed Limit Register, making them subject to enforcement when they ‘go live’. The VSLs operate for up to 45 minutes before and after the school bell and can also be activated for short periods at other times when there are significant numbers of children around.
Find out more about safer speeds outside schools here: