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Safe speed limits outside schools

We’re putting variable speed limits outside schools during school drop off and pick up times.

About the project

We're implementing lower speed limits during school travel times outside schools across Wellington that meet the requirements of new regulations.

Variable speed limits will apply within 150 metres of school gates. This is to improve safety for all road users, especially students, during school drop off and pick up times.

This change is required under national regulation, which mandates that all councils must implement safe school speed limits by 1 July 2026. It also reflects our commitment to making school streets safer. Improving the road environment around schools has long been a Council priority and this project supports our broader efforts to enhance safety and wellbeing for our whānau.

We'll use a mix of static and digital speed limit signs. Digital signs are more visible for road users which is useful in busier locations. We'll balance visibility and cost in our sign selection.

To make this project a success, we're working with NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi and engaging with local schools. Together we'll:

  • improve safety – lower speeds reduce the risk of accidents and injury severity near schools.
  • encourage active travel – safer environments promote walking and cycling to school.
  • respond to community aspirations – lower speeds near schools have strong community support.
  • deliver on Wellington City Council goals – this work aligns with our strategic priorities around safe, accessible, people-friendly streets.

Work is set to begin in 2025, with signs being installed in phases around the schools until mid-2026.

Background

The Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2024 came into effect on 30 October 2024. This rule requires all councils to implement safe variable speed limits outside school gates within 150 meters on either side.

The project aligns with our Long-Term Plan (LTP) 2024-2034, prioritising road safety, accessibility, and sustainable transport options.

Signs types

The type of sign selected for each school is based on the national road classification system (One Network Framework) and expert advice by engineers.

Static variable signs are used on local road, where traffic volumes and speeds are typically lower (top example).

Electronic signs are used on main collector and arterial roads, where vehicle speeds and volumes are generally higher (bottom example).

Example of a static speed limit sign.
Example of an electronic speed limit sign.

You can find the type of signs proposed around your school in the design plans included in the Traffic Resolution (TR) reports, which will be available from early July 2025.

Timeline and key milestones

  • 30 October 2024 – Introduction of Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2024.
  • February 2025 – Initial engagement with schools.
  • 14 July 2025 – Traffic Resolutions feedback period open.
  • 28 July 2025 – Traffic Resolutions feedback period closes.
  • 28 August 2025 – Koata Hātepe Regulatory Processes Committee makes a decision on Variable Speed Limit Traffic Resolution.
  • November 2025 – Construction starts.
  • June 2026 – Project completion.

Other related projects

As part of our commitment to safer school environments, we're also working on delivering a range of improvements, which focuses on improving safety and accessibility for our whānau through infrastructure changes around schools. 

This is an ongoing key initiative under our Long-Term Plan (LTP) 2024–34. It aims to support more active and independent travel to school, reduce crash risk, and create safer, more inclusive school streets. Safety improvements will continue to be delivered progressively as part of this long-term commitment to better transport outcomes for whānau, and the wider community.

Contact us

If you have any questions, email variablespeedlimit@wcc.govt.nz.

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