New Variable Speed Limits (VSLs) to slow traffic outside 16 Canterbury 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 due to begin next week. They will operate at peak times at the schools across the Canterbury region (see list of schools below).

This work by 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 VSLs is being welcomed by Cheviot Area School.

“Student safety is always our highest priority, and this change will help create a safer environment for our tamariki, whānau and staff during the busiest times of the school day,” says principal Ginny Neal.

“For us, this is about giving families greater confidence and helping ensure that everyone arriving at or leaving school can do so more safely.”

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

• Ashburton Borough School
• Cheviot Area School
• Darfield Cluster - Darfield High School & Darfield Primary School
• Duvauchelle School
• Glentunnel School
• Hāpuku School
• Methven Cluster – Mount Hutt College and Our Lady of the Snows School
• St Bede's College
• Timaru Cluster – Roncalli College and Sacred Heart School
• Timaru South School
• Villa Maria College
• Waihao Downs School (delivered as part of the Otago region’s VSL programme due to its location)
• Windwhistle School

At Windwhistle School, the new electronic signs will show a 60km/h variable speed limit during school dropoff and pickup times. While this may appear higher than the current 40km/h advisory signage in place, the existing signs are not legally enforceable, and data shows most drivers currently travel at much higher speeds.

The new Variable Speed Limit is mandatory and enforceable and is expected to slow traffic more effectively, improving safety at the busiest times of the school day.

All of the 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.

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