Setting of Speed Limits

Rural Women New Zealand has submitted to the Ministry of Transport on the proposed changes to the setting of speed limits.

RWNZ would like to see the government run a campaign to ensure New Zealanders are aware of the speed limits in rural school areas and when passing buses.

The safety of students travelling to and from school is one of the most critical issues facing rural school communities.

RWNZ is particularly worried that many drivers are failing to observe the speed restriction for passing a school bus that has stopped to pick up or drop off children, to or from school. When passing a school bus, vehicles are required by law to limit their speed to 20km/h. This limit applies even if the school bus has stopped on the opposite side of the road to your direction of travel. RWNZ has been requesting signs on school buses warning passing drivers to travel at 20km/h if the bus is stationary.

We have also been asking for all school buses in rural areas to have flashing lights activated by the driver when the bus is slowing to drop off or pick up children.

You can read the submission here.