Ask Phoebe: School zone speed rules apply before and after bell

Photo / Dean Purcell

Close to our home we have three primary schools, with warning lights saying "school zone" and speed restrictions. However, the warning signs are not always lit, so we are not sure when the restrictions apply. Is it only during school rush hours, when children are around the footpaths and roads as they enter and exit the school? Or is it throughout the school day? And what about during the school holidays? In our area, road works have complicated matters further. The usual 50km/h sign has been placed where the roadworks tail off - but it is the middle of the school 30km/h restriction zone. Presumably the lower speed takes precedence, but how do we know?
Tessa Farnsworth, Mt Roskill.

As a general rule, the "school zone" signs will be lit for 30 minutes to an hour before and after the school day. As there are no school days during the holidays, the signs will not be lit at these times.

Traffic regulations specify that school speed zones should extend 250m on each side of the school along the main traffic route. If you are within this distance, you should reduce your speed to suit, until you reach the 50km/h sign.

I was recently threatened with a ticket by a police officer because my seat belt, although fastened, had its top strap under my arm, not over my shoulder. I wear it this way because of recent chest surgery.

The regulations state a seat belt must be worn "correctly" but nowhere is there a definition of what correctly means. I believe I am right to wear the belt my way. Do you know where the correct use is described in detail, or does one have to rely on a police officer's opinion?
Don Donovan, Albany.

The nearest I could find was in the Road Code which, in the section on driver responsibility, states there should be just enough room to slide the palm of your hand between the belt and your chest. This implies the belt should be across your chest, not under your arm. But I understand your predicament, and hope you have now recovered fully.

-

Balmoral community constable Tammy Dunlop is seeking a volunteer to help keep Neighbourhood Support records up to date. This would involve basic data entry and some phone calls to existing NS members. It would take one or two hours a week and can be done from home at any time. Basic knowledge of Excel and Gmail would be helpful. A commitment of three to six months would be preferred as there is some simple training about how the correspondence is done and data entry.

Please contact Tammy on (09) 631-1032 (Monday or Wednesday 8.30am-4.30pm) or email tamarra.dunlop@police.govt.nz.