Praneeta Mahajan
Hamilton, April 26, 2024
With the start of the second term of schools on Monday, April 29, 2024, Hamilton drivers are being urged to exercise extra caution with the return of students to schools.
This alert coincides with the implementation of new 30km/h speed limits around all 58 of the City’s primary, intermediate, and high schools.
Protecting young road users
Gordon Naidoo, Hamilton City Council City Transport Unit Manager, emphasised the aim of these speed limits saying, “With the relationship between speed and road injuries well established internationally, by reducing speed limits around schools we are taking practical steps to help protect our youngest road users.”
His sentiments echo a growing consensus among safety experts and educators worldwide. The decision to introduce these reduced speed limits comes as research underscores the significant impact of speed on pedestrian survival rates, especially for children.
Studies have consistently shown that slower speeds drastically increase the chances of survival in the event of an accident involving pedestrians. At 30km/h, the survival rate jumps to a staggering 90%, compared to a mere 10% when vehicles are travelling at 50km/h.
Promoting healthier options
Mr Naidoo highlighted the broader societal benefits of these reduced speed limits and said that they enhance safety and promote healthier modes of transportation for children.
“We hope the change will encourage children to embrace active transportation options such as walking, biking, or scootering to school if they can,” he said.
In addition to enhancing their physical health, children’s active transportation choices can also play a pivotal role in alleviating traffic congestion around school zones. This fosters a more sustainable and community-focused approach to transportation.
The transition from the previous 40km/h speed limits to the new 30km/h zones was approved after thorough consultation with schools and the public, reflecting a community-wide effort to prioritise safety.
Collaborative Approach
Mr Naidoo said that the tailored nature of the speed limit adjustments ensures that each school’s unique circumstances are considered. This collaborative approach involved extensive engagement with school administrators, parents, and residents to understand the specific needs and challenges of each school zone.
Knighton Normal School Deputy Principal Materoa Collins welcomed the move as essential for ensuring the safety of students during their daily commutes.
“Having safer speed limits around schools keeps our tamariki at the heart of all that matters to us. It puts their safety first and foremost,” she said.
The implementation of these new speed limits not only represents a significant milestone in Hamilton’s ongoing commitment to road safety but also aligns with the broader Hamilton Speed Management Plan 2022 and the Council’s Vision Zero goal.
This ambitious vision seeks to eliminate serious injuries or fatalities on the city’s roads, reflecting a collective determination to create safer and more liveable communities for all residents.
“As Hamilton prepares for the return of students, collective efforts are underway to ensure that roads are safer for all, especially our youngest travellers. With the introduction of these new speed limits, the city takes a decisive step towards achieving this goal, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to the well-being of its residents,” a Council statement said.
Praneeta Mahajan is an Indian Newslink reporter based in Hamilton.
