Changes to speed limits outside rural schools are coming as Whakatāne District Council works to make streets safer for everyone.

The rural school speed limit changes are the first phase of Council’s wider Speed Management Plan, which will see speeds examined on all roads across the District except for State Highways.

“Under new rules set by Government, we must reduce the speed limits around schools,” said Council Transport Manager Martin Taylor.

“This is to make our speeds safe for everyone, whether you be in a car, truck, walking, cycling or using a mobility scooter.

“Small speed changes can have a massive impact on safety for everyone outside a vehicle. Reducing speeds from 50kmh to 30kmh can reduce the chance of a collision between a car and a person being fatal from 80 percent to 10 percent.”

Council has worked alongside rural schools and kura to better understand what speed limits they would like to see outside their school gates as well as what infrastructure they need to support these limits – such as raised crossings, speedbumps and better signage.

These plans are now being taken out to the community for their input and feedback.

“While we must reduce limits, people can have input into what area they think the speed limit should apply to and what traffic calming measures they might like to see installed,” said Mr Taylor.

“We’re looking to implement speed changes for our rural schools across 2023. Infrastructure changes will be included as part of a ten-year plan.”

All rural schools on Council roads are included in this review and the remainder of the District’s local roads will be reviewed in early 2023. Rural schools on State Highways will be having their speeds reviewed by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.

Have your say and find out more. 

Consultation closes Monday, November 7 at 5pm