Picture this: My children used to go to Swannanoa School and now are at Rangiora High School. So what, you may say, but: Swannanoa School has a 100km/h speed limit outside its gate. At Rangiora High School, on the other hand, there is a 20km/h speed limit. I have been campaigning to have a National Speed Limit of 40km/h or less, but my children are now at school where speeding cars are very unlikely to be an issue. So should I give up this thankless campaigning?!

Of course I can’t. My conscience alone would not allow for this. For every child in this country, we need a 40km/h or preferably even a 20km/h speed, but with the attitude of our Transport Minister, Steven Joyce I think that the 20km/h is very unlikely. If the Government allow for schools to have this 100km/h speed limit then they obviously just don’t give a damn. However this election year I would like all those who do give a damn, to stand up and announce it. Many politicians including the Prime Minister have told me that the 100km/h is unacceptable, but no one has yet stood up publicly to say this. Surely you as the media are the voice that can demand this.

There has been plenty publicity about how we should drive carefully outside schools, but with a 100km/h speed limit, you are leaving it to individuals to make the safe decision and I have seen plenty of bad decisions made outside Swannanoa School. There is, however, a very simple solution of a National 40km/h Speed Limit or less outside all schools. It could initially be done cheaply with markings on the road as they have in Australia and signage and then when money becomes available, flashing lights can also be installed. Money from speeding fines, especially those that have been collected outside schools, could be used for road safety strategies.

Although Swannanoa School is not due to start until next week, I am sure that I could drum up some Junior supporters, who would be happy to oblige in uniform for a photo opportunity. Also Rangiora High School is hosting their Big Day Out and they have all dressed up in their house colours, so I am sure that I could find some Super Heroes, who would be happy to save the day or even a child outside Swannanoa School.

Support NZ School Speed on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/NZ-School-Speeds/109007702471189.

ENDS

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