Principals backing school speed zone

SAFETY BID: Te Puke School cluster zone is proposed to get new temporary speed limits. PHOTO/ANDREW WARNER

A temporary safe zone of 40km/h is being proposed on roads surrounding a number of Te Puke schools.

Local residents have been asked if they supported the introduction, put forward by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council.

They would create a 'school zone' around Te Puke Primary, Te Puke High School and Fairhaven School to improve student safety.

The 40km/h would be in place for 30 minutes each morning and afternoon during school days, as students arrived and left. Electronic speed signs would show the temporary speed limit.

The council's project manager Alex Finn said the proposal was spurred by the proximity of the three schools and the high traffic flow.

"As Te Puke grows and roads get busier we want to make sure these school environments are as safe as possible, not just for children, but for motorists, parents and caregivers as well."

"Slowing down the speed limit during key drop-off and pick-up times of the day is a step in the right direction."

The temporary speed limit had the support from the principals of Te Puke Primary School, Te Puke High School and Fairhaven School.

Te Puke Primary School Principal Shane Cunliffe said the proposal was a much-needed community initiative.

"Cameron Rd is a major thoroughfare in Te Puke where a huge number of trucks, buses and cars tend to push the limits with speed along with a huge increase in numbers at school pick-up and drop-off times.

"It is only a matter of time until someone gets killed."

Te Puke High School Principal Alan Liddle said reducing the speed limit on roads near the school would help minimise the risk for students.

"The responsibility for Te Puke students getting to and from school safely is a collective responsibility of all members of the community," he said.

Te Puke Schools Cluster site
• Cameron Road between Muir Place and Princess Street
• Kowhai Avenue
• Tui Street
• Beatty Avenue between Queen Street and Tui Street.
Fairhaven School site
• Boucher Avenue between Lenihan Drive and just south of Cameron Road
• Cameron Road between Clydesburn Avenue and Boucher Avenue
• McBeth Drive at intersection with Boucher Avenue.

If approved the new safer speed limits are expected to be introduced on 1 October 2016.
Feedback on the proposal is open until 4pm Friday, July 15. People can have their say online at haveyoursay.westernbay.govt.nz/school-speed or email speed@westernbay.govt.nz