Speed limit changes to take place by July 2025

Published on 01 May 2025

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Waitaki District Council will be implementing speed limit changes around some of our rural schools and on two other roads in the District from July 2025.

The changes are being made due to the Government’s new Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2024.

This directs Council to implement 30 km/h variable (time-limited) speed restrictions around nine rural schools in the Waitaki District; Maheno, Totara, Kakanui, Papakaio, Waitaki Valley, Hampden, Ōmārama, Macraes Moonlight and Duntroon.

This will change the existing 30 km/h permanent speed limits to apply at school pick-up and drop off times only. Schools have been contacted to determine these time periods, and additional signage will be placed before July 2025 to inform drivers.

Waitaki District Council will also be reversing the permanent speed limits on Weston Road and Saleyard Roads to 70 km/h, from their current 60 km/h setting. This is due to the Government directing roading authorities to reverse some speed limits put in place since 1 January 2020.

Council will also look at interim measures to retain the 60 km/h speed limit on these roads if required.

These decisions were not made by the Mayor and Councillors, and are as a result of direction from NZTA and the Government which Council is legally required to comply with.

ENDS