Variable school speed zones are likely to be installed in front of Motupipi, Hope and Ranzau schools.
This proposal from the Tasman District Council comes on the back of community concerns about the safety of children walking and biking to and from school.
Engineering Services Committee chairman Trevor Norriss says these schools were made a priority because of the volume and speed of traffic in their area.
“We also looked at crash data, the schools’ rolls, whether they had off-street parking, how many kids bus, walk and bike to school, and the behaviour of children and parents at the school gate.”
The flashing signs will signal to motorists to slow down at times when children are entering and leaving school.
In the meantime, Ranzau School is hoping to trial a kea crossing system to help children safely cross the road at the beginning and end of school.
Trevor says the possibility of installing static “40 When Children Present” signs at Brooklyn, Mapua, Lower Moutere and Mahana is also being discussed.
“Only three of the 10 highest-priority schools meet the New Zealand Transport Authority (NZTA) criteria for a 40kmh variable school speed zone. That is why we’ve opted for static signs around other schools.
The Council has already placed “40 When Children Present” overlays on Appleby School’s large signs after discussions with the school. Better standard school warning signs will also be installed at Central Takaka, Dovedale and Ngatimoti schools.
“We will also continue our education programmes and road safety projects with schools to help keep our children safe.”
Trevor says the Council will aim to have the new signs in place by the start of term 4 (October 2016). Some of the static signs are likely to be in place earlier.
