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Over the next six months, Christchurch City Council is 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.
In 2024, the Government introduced a new Setting of Speed Limits Rule 2024. This rule requires us to implement variable speed limits of 30km/h during ‘school travel periods’ outside all schools.
‘Variable’ means the speed limit varies during the day. During school travel periods the speed limit will be 30km/p. Outside these times, the usual speed limit on the road will apply.
The Council has worked with schools and their communities to identify roads outside school gates and set school travel times, says Stephen Wright, Transport Operations Manager.
“On local neighbourhood streets, we’ll use static variable signs that list the times when the 30km/h speed limit applies. On main connector roads, where there are typically higher vehicle volumes and speeds, we’ll install electronic variable signs.”
School travel periods vary from school to school. We have allowed for a 45-minute window at the start and end of the school day for standalone schools. Where several schools are clustered together, the 30km/h speed limit will apply for a maximum period of one hour, so drivers can maintain a consistent speed when travelling through the area.
“Some schools already have variable speed limits in place. Where these meet the requirements of the new rule, they’ll remain the same.
“For schools with a variable speed limit above 30km/h signage will be updated to show the new limit by 1 July 2026.”