The Council is proposing to lower speed limits around the district’s schools as one of three key principles in a new draft interim speed management plan, released this week for public feedback.

If the community supports the proposal, 30km/h permanent speed limits would be established outside 16 of the district’s urban schools, with 60km/h variable speed limits (applicable during school travel periods only) for five schools on rural roads.

The three Methven schools would also have lower speed limits, but would need to wait for Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency to develop a speed management plan, as they’re located on a state highway.

Council Infrastructure Services Group Manager Neil McCann said lowering speed limits outside schools had strong community support when the Council consulted on the topic in 2020, but was not able to proceed under the Ministry of Transport Rule in place at that time.

“Recent changes to government regulations and direction from Waka Kotahi means that once we confirm this draft plan with the community, we can get on with making these changes.”

A new Land Transport Rule (Setting of Speed Limits 2022) came into force in May and allows territorial authorities to develop  speed management plans for local roads.

The Council’s draft interim plan also proposes giving the Council the ability to lower speeds around the fringes of urban areas as they develop and lowering speeds in areas with a high number of active users, such as walkers and cyclists.

“Our new CBD is an example of a busy area with a 30km/h speed limit already in place which makes it safer for pedestrians and cyclists.”

Mr McCann says that the draft interim plan will offer a more flexible approach that better acknowledges the local conditions and the surrounding environment.

“Previously every change in the speed limit required public consultation before it could be implemented, but now we can intervene faster when changes in the local environment require it and the shift aligns with the adopted speed management plan.”

He said the Council would be getting in touch with schools and encouraging them to give feedback. Only last week, students from Longbeach School petitioned the Council for a lower speed limit outside their rural school.

“We have $600,000 in the budget for road signs and infrastructure improvements associated with the speed limits at schools. If the community supports this plan, we could have new limits around schools as soon as the first term of next year.”

Mr McCann expects the community will be passionate about the topic, with the last speed limit review receiving over 400 responses.

“Ultimately for speed limits to work well, they need to be understood and supported by the community.”

Submissions close on Sunday 16 October, at 5pm. Have your say at ashburtondc.govt.nz/speed