Calls to reduce speed limits around schools

The speed limit for driving around schools is up for debate again.

Lucinda Rees, from pressure group NZ School Speeds, is calling on transport minister Simon Bridges to review current limits.

“New Zealand has varying speed limits outside schools with some as high as 100km/h in rural areas.”

Ms Rees says there should one “consistent national speed limit” outside all schools.

“As people are being encouraged to leave their cars at home, the alternative of walking or cycling would be made safer at the school gate for the vulnerable road user if a consistent national school speed limit is put in place.

“Children are likely to be at their most distracted when heading to or from school.”

Globally, road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death in 10–19 year-olds.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends a speed limit outside schools of 30km/h or lower.

Ms Rees says “40km/h is the current minimum speed limit outside schools, yet a 30km/h speed limit is afforded adults when they work on the road.”

The school bus rule slows drivers passing a school bus to 20km/h when children are getting on or off the bus, but Ms Rees says this is often ignored.

A report published in 2008 estimated that following the introduction of 20 mph (32 km/h) zones in London, a reduction of casualties occurred by 45 per cent and fatal or serious casualties by 57 per cent.

Children are unpredictable and young children often don’t see vehicles until it’s too late as they have a more narrowed field of vision than adults.

Yet the journey to and from school could be made safe and a great way to learn independence if schools advertise safe routes and the speeds outside schools are reduced to 30km/h during peak times and no more than 60km/h at other times of the day.

“The Government is frankly negligent towards child road safety and if this negligence is due to potentially being unpopular with the voter, then they should pass the responsibility of looking after the welfare of children on our roads to an independent non-political organisation,” says Ms Rees.

“Consistent slow speed limits is the way to go.”