13 October 2011

NZTA introduces a lower speed limit to improve safety for pedestrians outside Taneatua School

The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) as part of its new Safe System approach to road safety are today installing a 40km/h variable speed limit outside Taneatua Primary School to make it safer for pupils and other pedestrian to cross State Highway 2 at McKenzie Street.

The NZTA’s State Highway Bay of Plenty Manager Brett Gliddon said “The new variable speed limit will create a safer environment for Taneatua Primary School pupils. The signs are part of our new Safe System approach to road safety.”

The signs will operate in the morning between 8:15am and 8:50am and between 3:00pm and 3:20pm in the afternoon. The signs can also be utilised for ten minute periods in special circumstances when there is a high number of pedestrians using the crossing such as School Fairs.

The 40km/h Variable Speed Limit is a legal limit and when the signs are operating the new speed limit is enforceable by the Police.

The NZTA and its road maintenance consultant Opus worked closely with the Taneatua School and Taneatua Community Board to reduce the speed of vehicles around the school.

Brett Gliddon said “The new safe system approach is based on research which shows that reduction of vehicle speed even by 10km/hr enhances a driver’s ability to stop suddenly in the event of a child running onto the road and therefore dramatically minimises the chances of serious injury or death.”

The NZTA recently carried out other speed reduction measures in Taneatua including relocating the Speed Indicating Device back to McKenzie Street, as well as upgrading the Curve Warning and Speed Threshold signs to the Eastern Approach to Taneatua.

ENDS

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