School speed changes coming in Mid Canterbury
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Variable speed limits are likely to be introduced around Ashburton schools by the end of the year
The changes to the Ashburton District’s 30kph school speed zones could be made by the end of the year after the Government released its revised Land Transport Rule.
Transport Minister Simeon Brown said the revised rule will require variable speed limits outside schools during pick up and drop off times.
“Local streets outside a school will be required to have a 30kph variable speed limit during school travel times.
“Rural roads that are outside schools will be required to have variable speed limits of 60kph or less.”
The previous rule allowed variable speed limits but required expensive electronic signage, while the revised rule allows for static signs indicating the time-restricted speed zones.
In February the Ashburton District Council approved changing its 30kph school zones to be time-restricted as soon as the law allowed.
The council decided the signage will be for school days from 8.30am to 9.30am and 2.30pm to 3.30pm, once the new rule is introduced.
With the revised rule now out for consultation, it is expected Minister Brown will sign off the new rules before the end of the year.
Infrastructure and open spaces group manager Neil McCann said the council will submit on the proposed rule changes, supporting the time-restricted variable zones.
When the new rule is adopted it will likely require another report to the council because the decision in February agreed to the static signs but not to the variable speed limit, McCann said.
Any changes to the extent of the speed limits will also be included in any report as the new rule proposes a maximum distance of 300m for the variable 30kph speed limit from each school gate, he said.
“We can probably have a report to council before the rule is adopted anticipating that the proposals will be adopted, with the aim to have changes adopted so the signs can be in place ready for the start of term 1 in 2025.”
The Government is also looking to reverse blanket speed limit reductions, enable some roads of national significance to have speed limits of 110kph, and to consider economic impacts - including travel times - when setting speed limits.
Consultation on the draft speed rule closes on July 11.
Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53.1% Yes
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46.9% No
‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...
As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.
Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.
There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”
A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105
Turn Wallpaper Scraps into Beautiful Blossoms
These blossoms made from Resene wallpaper left over after decorating will mean your décor will be blooming gorgeous, no matter the season. Find out how to create your own wallpaper flowers with these easy step by step instructions.
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