Safer speeds are being introduced around schools in our District.
This is a result of the Speed Management Plan that was approved by Council and New Zealand Transport Agency / Waka Kotahi in early 2024.
The first stage of this plan, coming into effect in October 2024, prioritises the safety and well-being of the community by targeting school areas, indicated by public feedback and conducted research while maintaining travel journey efficiency.
A 30km/h permanent speed limit will be put into place for streets and roads near schools throughout the district, areas indicated with speed limit signage.
Research shows that speed limits in school zones are most effective in areas that are between 300-500m in length. Drivers tend to slow down if the zone is between these lengths, we took this into consideration when developing the speed limit zones.
These speed reductions are crucial for our community; research undertaken within New Zealand and Australia shows that if a person walking is hit by a car travelling at 50km/h, the chance of survival is 20%, compared to if a person is hit by a car travelling at 30km/h, the chance of survival increases to 90%.
By implementing the changes, we aim to enhance road safety and create streets where people feel safe to walk, ride, drive and cycle.
Below are the maps showing the 30km/h areas.
Safer Speeds For Our Community - School Area Maps
Albury
Cannington
Fairlie
Tekapo
Twizel (North)
Twizel (South)
Further information is at mackenzie.govt.nz > Services > Roading and Transport > Safer Speeds For Our Community.