Variable speed limits coming to Upper Hutt schools on 1 July

Published on 18 June 2026

Drivers in Upper Hutt will soon see new variable speed limits of 30km/h introduced outside 19 schools as part of a national road safety programme required under the Government’s Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2024.

The lower speed limits will operate during signposted school drop-off and pick-up times, and will only apply during these peak travel periods. Outside these times, normal speed limits will remain in place.

The changes are designed to improve safety for tamariki, whānau, and all road users around school gates, where pedestrian activity is highest during the school day.

The programme will be rolled out across 20 schools, including residential streets and selected arterial and rural roads where schools front higher-speed routes. At Mangaroa School on Flux Road, the existing 40km/h variable speed limit already aligns with the new Rule and will remain in place.

Some schools will have tailored operating times to reflect specific schedules, including early finishes at two local colleges.

Upper Hutt City Council is responsible for delivering the local rollout, including installing signage and supporting infrastructure, coordinating with schools, and communicating changes to the community.

Enforcement of the variable speed limits will be carried out by New Zealand Police.

Tim Harty, Group Manager Operations, said the rollout ensures the city meets national legal requirements while improving safety around schools.

“These changes are being introduced nationwide under Government legislation and are designed to create safer school travel environments during peak drop-off and pick-up times. Our role is to deliver the required infrastructure locally and work closely with schools and communities so everyone understands what is changing and when the new limits will apply.”

The 2024 Rule requires all road controlling authorities to introduce variable speed limits outside schools and sets nationally prescribed requirements for reduced speeds, operating times, locations, and signage.

Affected schools and surrounding communities have received school-specific information ahead of implementation, including maps, operating times, and rollout details.

More information, including affected school locations and updates, is available here.