Safe speeds programme Safe speeds programme

The setting of speed limits legislation has changed

The new Setting of Speed Limits (2024) Rule came into effect on 30 October 2024. The rule requires us to:

reverse permanent 30kmh speed limits introduced on local streets on or after 1 January 2020 if a school was a reason for the change
reverse lower limits introduced on urban connectors since the start of 2020 except where they’re related to significant land use changes
introduce variable speed limits outside all other school gates where they do not already exist.

New variable speed limits

By 1 July 2025 when permanent 30kmh speed limits are reversed near schools, a new variable 30km/h speed limit will start along the 300 meters of road outside the school. Schools where a 30kmh or 40kmh variable speed limits already exist may keep them.

By 1 July 2026, all other roads outside schools that did not already have a variable speed limit will have a new variable 30kmh introduced.

Variable speed limits operate at the start and end of the school day only, during the busy school travel periods.

Rural roads

There is no requirement to reverse lower speed limits implemented on rural and peri-urban (semi-rural) roads except for on State Highways.

What happens next

We’re reviewing the new Rule to understand the changes. When we’ve made an implementation plan we’ll communicate the impact of it. Details of speed limit changes will be regularly updated on this website.

If you’d like to read the new rule, visit Setting of Speed Limits (2024) Rule on the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) website.

About the Safe Speeds programme

Auckland Transport’s Vision Zero goal for Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is to have no one die or be seriously injured on our roads by 2050. Our Safe Speeds Programme is an important component to create a road network that ensures speed limits are safe for everyone who is using our roads.

Road users include people walking and cycling, kids walking to and from school, or riding scooters and bikes. It also includes the elderly on mobility scooters, people shopping in town centres, and people in vehicles and trucks.

Safe speeds save lives

Evidence shows safe speed limits do work. Speed management is a proven and effective way to improve safety. Safe speeds save lives and prevent debilitating injuries. If we do nothing, over the next five years one in two Aucklanders will be personally connected to someone seriously injured or killed on our roads

Vision for Auckland

Imagine Auckland as a city with improved road safety, where kids are safe to walk and bike to school, older people feel less vulnerable crossing town centre roads and both rural and urban roads are safe for all road users with reduced road trauma and no deaths. It is possible if we all play our part.

See map for the speed limit changes around Auckland.