Hamilton City Council's Transport Committee decided today to press ahead with implementing its plan to have a 40kph speed zone outside every school in the city, despite Govt 'rules' supposedly preventing this.
The decision is made to enhance safety for kids - vulnerable road users - after a very recent report showed speeds and accident numbers had both lowered significantly outside the first 7 schools with such zones in Hamilton.
The Govt transport agency (NZTA) currently has a rule that only allows such variable zones (i.e. operating only during start & finish times for schools) in a very limited number of schools 'warranted' for the signs, and does not allow the much cheaper 'static' (non-electronic) signage. This flies in the face of international experience and practices, showing that - once again - NZTA is light years behind the times.
Currently NZTA has only 'warranted' 32 of the 70-odd schools in Hamilton for the low speed zones (though over half of the primary schools are covered), and Councillors are concerned that the travelling public will become confused as to which schools are and aren't covered by the low speed zones. It will be much easier to promote and educate around the low speed zones, and general road safety for vulnerable people, if every school is treated the same.
That's what the City Council intends to do - and will use static signage [see photo of static signage in Brisbane at right] whether or not NZTA is happy, in order to implement the policy in an affordable and timely way.
About time Dave!!!! And it should be 30 not 40... I dont even have children but Im sure parents would agree that if you had to choose between being 5 mins late or killing a child near their school, Im sure being late wouldn't be too much of a problem.
ReplyDeleteGood on HCC's Transport Committee for its foresight and commonsense. While on the other hand, 'NZTA rules ... archaic.'
ReplyDeleteI personally agree with the comments about 30kph - that speed works well in central Hamilton already, and 20mph (close to 30kph) seems to be the limit being brought in in UK across the board. I guess this is a step in the right direction!
ReplyDeleteOur Auckland School Travel wise Safety program have been very successful 63 schools are now join up and the 40 speed zone has reduced accidents around schools by many
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your program
Cr.John Lister
Transport Deputy Chair
I heartily agree that all schools need the same "protection". Good on you, Dave.
ReplyDeleteDear Dave,
ReplyDeleteI have just tried to phone you but you are obviously out of the office.
Even though I don't live in your area, I am fully in support of your efforts to lower speeds outside schools in your area. I have a petition going to have a national speed limit outside all schools and have attached it. Also I have started up a Facebook page that you might be interested in: http://www.facebook.com/pages/NZ-School-Speeds/109007702471189
Even though I don't live in your area, I am fully in support of your efforts to lower speeds outside schools in your area. I have a petition going to have a national speed limit outside all schools and have attached it. Also I have started up a Facebook page that you might be interested in: http://www.facebook.com/pages/NZ-School-Speeds/109007702471189
ReplyDeleteI support the speed retrictions around schools. Some of the problems around schools are made worse by the parking situation. Views are blocked and parents double park and block driveways and on bus stops! I fully support students bussing and walking too. Go the orbitor!
ReplyDelete