The Thorndon Residents’ Association (TRA) has lodged submissions with Wellington City Council opposing the proposals to shorten the Variable Speed Limit zone near Queen Margaret College on Hobson Street to 60 metres at the northern end of the zone, and near St Mary’s College on Hawkstone Street (western end) to less than 75 metres. Waka Kotahi’s national guidance recommends a 150‑metre zone length for urban school areas, a standard widely adopted to ensure safer conditions for children and all road users.
Our community strongly supports safe speed limits outside schools and the intent of the Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2024 (“the Rule”). However, we oppose the proposed changes because they fail to comply with the Rule, reduce pedestrian safety, and undermine the integrity of the original consultation and approval process.
The proposals, as drafted, are not legally compliant and cannot be adopted in their current form.
TRA Submission to WCC Opposing the Proposed Amendment – St Mary’s College Variable Speed Limit (PDF)
