New variable speed limits designed to slow traffic outside 16 Canterbury schools are set to take effect over the coming weeks.

Installation and preparation of the electronic signs will begin next week, with the reduced limits to operate at peak times at schools across the Canterbury region.

The work by New Zealand Transport Agency 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.

NZTA Director of Regional Relationships James Caygill said the changes would make a tangible difference to safety.

“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,” he said.

The introduction has been welcomed by Cheviot Area School, where principal Ginny Neal said student safety was always the school’s highest priority.

“This change will help create a safer environment for our children, families and staff during the busiest times of the school day,” she said.

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

At Windwhistle School, the new electronic signs will show a 60km/h variable speed limit during school drop‑off and pick‑up 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 limit is mandatory and enforceable and is expected to slow traffic more effectively.

All the 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 variable speed limits 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.

The full list of Canterbury schools receiving new variable speed limits is: Ashburton Borough School, Cheviot Area School, the Darfield Cluster covering Darfield High School and Darfield Primary School, Duvauchelle School, Glentunnel School, Hāpuku School, the Methven Cluster covering Mount Hutt College and Our Lady of the Snows School, St Bede’s College, the Timaru Cluster covering Roncalli College and Sacred Heart School, Timaru South School, Villa Maria College, Waihao Downs School (delivered as part of the Otago region’s programme due to its location), and Windwhistle School.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​