School Zone and Community Speed Limits 2023-24

This consultation is now closed.

Speed limits in Central Otago are reviewed periodically to ensure they remain appropriate through changes to road use, align with national and local objectives, and meet the needs of the local community. Speed is a major factor in death and injury on our roads. Safer speeds and improved safety will make our roads safe for all users.

The public was invited to share their feedback on the proposed speed limit changes to improve safety across the Central Otago District. Consultation ran from 29 November 2023 to 11 February 2024. Public engagement was instrumental in ensuring the final decision reflects the needs of the community. The Speed Management Plan was approved by CODC and approved by the New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA). To see the results of this consultation, click here.

Update: The introduction of the Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2024 on 28 September 2024 brought significant changes to speed management nationwide. The Rule invalidated all Speed Management Plans not implemented before 30 October 2024, meaning Council’s proposed changes — while compliant with the Rule’s technical standards — could not proceed due to the planned implementation date of 15 November 2024.

The Rule also requires certain speed limit reductions implemented after 1 January 2020 to revert to their previous limits. In Central Otago, this affects only Gilling Place at Goldfields Primary School in Cromwell and at Clyde School in Clyde. The current permanent 30 km/h speed limit will change to a variable 30 km/h limit, operational during school pick-up and drop-off times, with a 50 km/h limit applying at all other times. This change will take effect on 1 May 2025.

The Council will continue rolling out school speed limits under the new Rule, with some modifications to timing and distance parameters. Sign installations are planned to align with the start of the 2025 school year. For schools with gates adjacent to State Highways, such as Tarras, Roxburgh, Alexandra Primary, and St Gerard’s, any speed limit changes will be implemented working alongside NZTA, who is responsible for State Highways.