Cars, buses, cyclists, pedestrians and scooters: roads around schools are complex. Children are still developing their ability to judge speed and distance, so even small mistakes by drivers can have serious consequences.
New Zealand Police and Waka Kotahi emphasise that students need support to be safe as pedestrians, passengers, cyclists and, for older ākonga, novice drivers.
In 2024, the Government’s Setting of Speed Limits Rule 2024 required variable 30km/h limits outside all schools during school travel periods. Christchurch City Council is rolling out variable 30km/h signs about 150 metres either side of school gates, with the lower limit applying only at specified times.
“‘Variable’ means the speed limit varies during the day. During school travel periods, the speed limit will be 30km/h. Outside these times, the usual speed limit on the road will apply,” says Stephen Wright, Head of Transport.
“Lowering speed limits at the start and end of the school day will help to make it safer for tamariki and rangatahi to get to schools and kura in Ōtautahi Christchurch and Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū Banks Peninsula.”
Electronic signs are being used on busy connector roads, while static variable signs list the times on local neighbourhood streets. During school travel periods, drivers must slow to the speed shown and maintain it until they pass another speed limit sign.
Local authorities are expected to work with schools to identify risks not just at the gate, but along routes to school where children may be less visible. Christchurch City Council, for example, is pairing new speed limits with reminders to drivers to start 2026 well.
Guidelines such as Waka Kotahi’s “Safer journeys for schools” encourage schools and road controlling authorities to co-design solutions tailored to their context. Principals play a key role in initiating these conversations and advocating for infrastructure improvements like crossings or traffic calming.
New Zealand Police recommend that every school has an up‑to‑date road safety policy before delivering any Road Safe classroom resources. A robust primary school policy typically covers pedestrian skills, travel to and from school, drop‑off and pick‑up expectations, cycling rules, bus behaviour, and parking protocols.
The Road Safe programme provides age‑appropriate learning activities from Years 0–1 upwards, helping students learn to walk near roads, cross safely, use seatbelts, and recognise hazards. For younger tamariki, this includes practical excursions to practise safe crossing and supervised activities around bus and car travel.
These classroom experiences work best when they are backed by consistent messages at home and modelled behaviour in car parks and on footpaths. Principals can support this by coordinating whole‑school campaigns (e.g. “walk or wheel Wednesdays”) and involving Police or community partners.
Practical actions for principals:
· Review and refresh your road safety policy with staff, Police, and your board, ensuring it reflects variable 30km/h limits and current travel patterns.
· Map key routes to school and identify hot spots such as busy intersections, rural approaches, or congested drop‑off zones, then raise these with your council transport team.
· Integrate Road Safe resources into your curriculum, aligning units with visible changes outside the school, such as new signage or crossing facilities.
· Communicate clearly with whānau about expectations for parking, U-turns, bus use, and active travel; reinforce these messages at the start and end of each term.
When school leaders, councils, whānau and students work together, the combination of safer speeds, better design and strong education can significantly reduce risk outside the school gate.
