New Variable Speed Limit Outside Vogeltown School

Greater safety is coming for students at Vogeltown School with the creation of a 40km/h variable speed limit outside its gates.

The limit will be in effect at the start and end of each school day, and when large groups of students are crossing the road during school hours.

“Because we’re a split school with two campuses either side of Huatoki Street, we have children crossing the road regularly to get to the library, the hall, and to the swimming pool in summer,” says Principal Mark Luff.

“This speed limit will increase drivers’ awareness of the presence of children on the street and make it safer for our students. We’ll feel more comfortable moving large groups of children about with this speed limit in place.”

The variable speed limit zone was approved at NPDC’s Monitoring Committee meeting on Tuesday. The system is programmed to be installed over the Christmas holiday period in time for the start of the first 2012 school term. It will operate on school days from 8.15am to 9.00am, for 20 minutes at the end of school, and when at least 50 children cross the road.

It is the third variable speed limit to be established outside a New Plymouth school, following Woodleigh School (Brois Street) and Highlands Intermediate School (Coronation Avenue).

Manager Roading Assets Max Aves says the system has resulted in lower traffic speeds outside both schools and a safer environment for school children.

“The section of Huatoki Street outside Vogeltown School carries more than 7,000 vehicles per day, with 15 crashes since 2003,” says Mr Aves. “A 40km/h variable speed zone is a highly visible reminder to drivers that a lot young children are in the area and that motorists need to drive with caution.”