Last year, the Government introduced a new Setting of Speed Limits Rule 2024. This rule requires us to implement variable speed limits of 30km/h during 'school travel periods' outside of all Ōtautahi Christchurch and Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū schools.

Some schools already have variable speed limits in place. These will remain the same, provided they meet the requirements of the new rule. All other schools will have variable limits applied by 1 July 2026.

Timings of variable limits - school travel periods can vary from school to school. The Council’s operational policy allows for a 30 minute window of variable speeds at the start and end of the school day for standalone schools. Where several schools are clustered together, we’ll apply a maximum period of one hour, so drivers can maintain a consistent speed when travelling through the area.

Location of variable speed limits - variable 30km/h speed limits will be set 150 meters either side of each school gate. The proposed speed limit extents are shown as the pink lines on the map below.

While we don't have much flexibility within this rule, we may be able to make minor changes to the plan based on updated information about school travel periods or location of school gates provided by schools.

We're contacting all schools to check our plan with them.

Static vs. electronic signs

On local neighbourhood streets, we'll use static variable signs (top example).

On main connector roads, we’re planning to install electronic variable signs (bottom example). This is because there are typically higher vehicle volumes and speeds on these roads.

It costs approximately $4,000 to install a set of static and $40,000 for a set of electronic signs.

Static speed sign
Electronic variable sign

The plan

School entrances are highlighted as building icons on the map below. The dark blue lines show where we’re planning to implement the 30km/h variable limits outside schools.

Please let us know in the form below if there's anything out-of-date with this plan. Have your school gates moved? Have you added or removed any?

If a variable speed limit hasn't been shown on the map, the school either has an existing permanent or variable speed limit of 30 km/h

To use this map on mobile, rotate your device to landscape mode.

Having trouble viewing the map? Go to the full screen version: School Speed Limits Web App

Other effects of the Land Transport Rule

Under the Government’s new Land Transport Rule, seven roads in Christchurch and Banks Peninsula also need to have their speed limits increased.

Tell us what you think

Ask a question

If you want to talk through your school's specific needs, please get in touch.

Contact Information
Email schooltravel@ccc.govt.nz

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