New Variable Speed Limits (VSLs) to slow traffic outside 16 Otago schools are set to take effect over the coming weeks.

Installation and preparation for these VSLs – which indicate on electronic signs the reduced speed limit is in force – is now underway. They will operate at peak times at the schools across the Otago region (see list of schools below).

This work by the New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is part of the Government’s approach to setting speed limits under the Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2024, which requires safer speeds outside schools by 1 July 2026. All eligible schools, including those on 100km/h roads, will have variable speed limits installed. At peak times, mainly before and after school, speed limits will drop to 30km/h or 60km/h, depending on the road and safety requirements.

“We know that these reduced speed limits, when in force at school drop-off and pick-up times, can make a real difference in keeping children and their families safe,” says NZTA Director of Regional Relationships, James Caygill.

The introduction of the VSL is being embraced by St Gerard’s School in Alexandra.

“It will give parents greater peace of mind and supports our commitment to keeping every child safe when arriving and leaving school,” says principal Julie Flannery.

“We have many children walking, biking, scootering, getting in and out of vehicles and crossing the road at drop off and pick up times. There are also students from other schools who cross the main road by our school at these peak times. We have had several near misses on the crossing as drivers have not slowed down ready to give way to pedestrians, so this reduced speed will help drivers react more quickly and safely.”

Blue Mountain College principal Janelle Eason says the VSL is a welcome addition to increase the safety of our students walking to and from the college in Tapanui.

“We are situated on a main highway and the volume of traffic is high and includes many large trucks. Knowing that vehicles will be going slower past the school gives an added layer of peace of mind for parents and staff.”

The full list of Otago schools with new VSLs is as follows:

• Alexandra School
• Amana Christian School (Mosgiel)
• Blue Mountain College (Tapanui)
• Duntroon School
• George Street Normal School
• Lee Stream School
• Maniototo Area School (Ranfurly)
• Oamaru Intermediate School
• Omarama School
• Palmerston School
• Roxburgh Area School
• St Gerard's School (Alexandra)
• Strath Taieri School (Middlemarch)
• Tarras School
• Tokomairiro High School (Milton)
• Waitaki Girls' High School

In addition to the VSL introduced at Omarama School, the 50km/h town speed limit in Omarama will be extended slightly further west, and the short 70km/h section will be removed.

“This creates one clear change point from 100km/h to 50km/h, giving drivers a more consistent threshold as they approach the township,” Mr Caygill says.

“It also supports the school VSL and aligns with the approach used at similar state highway school sites.”

All VSL sites have been approved under the Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2024 and will be legalised through the National Speed Limit Register, making them subject to enforcement when they ‘go live’. The VSLs operate for up to 45 minutes before and after the school bell and can also be activated for short periods at other times when there are significant numbers of children around.

Find out more about safer speeds outside schools here (https://nzta.govt.nz/safety/partners/speed-and-infrastructure/speed-limits/safe-speeds-outside-schools)

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