Notice Type
Authorities/Other Agencies of State
Notice Title

Land Transport Rule: Traffic Control Devices 2004 20km/h School Bus Signs Trial

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, authorise the installation and maintenance of active 20km/h speed limit signs on school buses:
(a) for the purpose described in Schedule 1;
(b) in the form and layout, set out in Schedule 2;
(c) at the location stated in Schedule 3;
(d) for the period specified in Schedule 4; and
(e) subject to the conditions in Schedule 5.
The active 20km/h speed limit signs may be installed for the purpose of evaluating their use and the trial will be called the "20km/h school bus signs trial".
Schedule 1-Purpose of trial
The purpose of the trial is to:
(a) evaluate the effectiveness and safety of active 20km/h speed limit signs mounted on school buses in addition to standard school bus signs specified in the Rule;
(b) assess the effect on the speed of traffic passing a school bus which has stopped to pick up or set
down school children and is displaying 20km/h speed limit signs;
(c) examine drivers' perceptions and understanding of their obligations when passing a school bus which is displaying 20km/h speed limit signs; and
(d) identify operational requirements for reliable installation and use of the signs on a mixed fleet of buses.
Schedule 2-Form and layout of 20km/h school bus signs
The signs must be as specified in the following descriptions:
20km/h school bus
The sign advises drivers that the speed limit when passing the bus is 20km/h.
Option A (large sign for buses with seating for more than
12 people, including the driver)
Shape and size: Rectangle 450 x 450mm
Background: Black
Border: None
Legend:
Description Colour Size
R1-1 with a speed limit of "20" Roundel
red (lit) Diameter
400mm
width 40mm
(effective)
"20" yellow or white (lit) 160/25
(effective)
Lights top left and right flash alternately when lit Yellow or white when lit 40mm
diameter
(effective)
IMAGE OF SIGN HERE
Example:
20km/h school bus sign
Option B (small sign for buses with seating for 12 or fewer people, including the driver)
Shape and size: Rectangle 300 x 300mm
Background: Black
Border: None
Legend:
Description Colour Size
R1-1 with a speed limit of "20" Roundel
red (lit) Diameter
250mm
width 30mm
(effective)
"20"
yellow or white (lit) 100/15.5
(effective)
Lights top left and right flash alternately when lit Yellow or white when lit 40mm
diameter
(effective)


Notes
(1) The 20km/h school bus signs specified for this trial may be manufactured on flexible background material.
(2) The dimensions, descriptions and terms used to describe the signs in this notice conform to the opening notes in Schedule 1 of the Rule.
Schedule 3-Location
The location approved for this trial is all the roads in the area of the Ashburton District Council and Selwyn District Council.
Schedule 4-Period of trial
The trial may begin after the publication of this notice and, unless terminated earlier, must end by 30 June 2014.
Schedule 5-Conditions and evaluation
(a) 20km/h school bus signs must be mounted on the front and rear of the bus in addition to W17-1.1, W17-1.2 or W17-1.4 school bus signs. The 20km/h signs must be mounted as high as is reasonably practical.
(b) The 20km/h speed limit signs may be illuminated only when the bus has stopped to pick up or set down school children. The speed limit signs must be switched on and off automatically without manual intervention from the bus driver.
(c) The flashing lights in the top corners of the signs may be activated for up to 20 seconds before the bus stops and 20 seconds after the bus has stopped to pick up or set down children. The flashing lights may be switched on or off manually or automatically.
(d) The trial must include publicity and enforcement so that an assessment can be made of drivers' awareness and compliance with the 20km/h school bus signs.
(e) An evaluation and analysis shall be undertaken as outlined in the trial application document received on
25 February 2013 from Transport Engineering Research New Zealand Limited. A report must be sent to me by 31 August 2014.
Signed at Wellington this 24th day of June 2013.
GLENN BUNTING, Network Manager.