Sunset Rd to get 40kph speed zone signs outside school

Rotorua District Council (RDC) is installing 40kph school speed zone signs outside Sunset Primary School.

The active warning signs to reduce traffic speeds during morning and afternoon periods for children crossing Sunset Rd will be ready for the start of Term 2.

RDC roading engineer Elizabeth Wood says traffic speeds outside schools can be dangerous for children, and Sunset Rd has been recognised as one of Rotorua’s high priority roads for speeding issues.

“At the time when children are crossing there can be high volumes of traffic, manoeuvring vehicles, parked vehicles obscuring visibility and vehicle speeds often appear too high.

“The 40kph speed limit sign outside Sunset Primary will provide a safer road environment outside the school, reinforce driver expectations of the likely presence of children, and encourage safe and active travel to school.”

Times of operation for the variable speed limit sign will be 35 minutes before the start of school until the start of school; 20 minutes at the end of school; and 10 minutes at any other time of day when at least 50 children cross the road or enter or leave vehicles at the roadside.

At all other times the sign will be blank or display the permanent speed limit.

Ms Wood says council will support the implementation of other 40kmh school zones in the district for future implementation.