Traffic regulations specify that school speed zones should extend 250m on each side of the school along the main traffic route. Photo / NZPA
Can you please outline the traffic speed rules in school zones? I understand the speed limit is 40km/h in school hours, but is there any tolerance on this speed by police? Also, what are the school hours for these restrictions? Is there a difference between primary and secondary school areas?
Paulene Murdoch, Howick
The Transport Agency website says school speed zones have a 40km/h limit on school days for a maximum period of 35 minutes before school starts and 20 minutes after it ends, beginning no more than five minutes before the school day ends. The limit also applies for 10 minutes at any other time when at least 50 children cross the road, or enter or leave vehicles at the roadside.
Traffic regulations specify that school speed zones should extend 250m on each side of the school along the main traffic route.
Police strictly enforce a 4km/h tolerance within a school zone. There is no difference between primary and secondary schools, or indeed between preschools, kindergartens, kohanga reo or other similar types of establishment.
I believe there are still seven intersections in Auckland which have a give-way sign meaning drivers have to give way when turning left to any oncoming traffic which is turning right on to the same road. One of these is situated in Aviemore Drive, when turning left into Highland Park Drive. No one seems to obey this rule! And if I am turning right into Highland Park Drive nobody ever gives way - so the sign might just as well be non-existent. Does the NZ Transport Agency think it should stay or is it thinking about removing the give-way sign at this intersection? Dianne Dowd, Half Moon Bay.
