Pursuant to subclause 3.4(1) of Land Transport Rule: Traffic Control Devices 2004 ("the Rule") and a delegation from the NZ Transport Agency, I, Glenn Bunting, Network Manager, hereby authorise an extension of the trial of 40km/h advisory school zone signs:
(a) for the purposes described in Schedule 1;
(b) at the locations stated in Schedule 2;
(c) for the period specified in Schedule 3;
(d) subject to the terms and conditions detailed in Schedule 4.
Schedule 1-Purpose of Trial
The purpose of the trial is to:
(a) evaluate the effectiveness and safety of traffic signs that differ from those specified in Schedule 1 of the Rule;
(b) assess the effect of advisory speed signs as an alternative means of managing traffic in school zones;
(c) evaluate the effectiveness of advisory school zone signs in urban areas, on roads with moderate traffic volumes in rural areas and in a different geographical area of New Zealand from the original trial.
Schedule 2-Location
The locations approved for this trial are as follows:
Auckland Council
Ararimu Road, Hillview Road and Mceldownie Road at Ramarama School;
Glenbrook-Waiuku Road at Glenbrook School;
Halsey Drive and Godwit Place at Halsey Drive School.
Schedule 3-Period of trial
The trial may begin after the publication of this notice and, unless terminated earlier, must end by 31 July 2013.
Schedule 4-Conditions
Form and Layout of Signs
The form and layout of the signs for this trial must conform with the description set out in Schedule 2 of the "Traffic Signs - 40km/h Advisory School Zones Trial" notice published in the New Zealand Gazette, 5 May 2011, No. 59, page 1381.
Signs
Each approach to the school zone on the main road outside the school must have "40km/h advisory school zone" signs installed on both sides of the road facing traffic approaching the school zone.
Side roads that intersect with the school zone must have at least one "40km/h advisory school zone" sign installed facing traffic approaching the school zone.
At least one "School zone ends" sign must be installed on each road leaving the school zone.
Length of School Zone
The 40km/h advisory school zone should be at least 300m long on the main road outside the school, but should not be longer than 500m.
The length of the school zone on side roads may be shorter than 300m.
Evaluation
An evaluation must be undertaken of road users’ comprehension of the 40km/h advisory school zone signs and of the speed of traffic in the school zone before and after installation of the signs.
An evaluation report including analysis of data must be sent to me by 31 August 2013.
Signed at Wellington this 7th day of August 2012.
GLENN BUNTING, Network Manager.