Ashburton District Council has discontinued its permanent 30kph school speed zones, transitioning to a variable speed limit approach. Under the new rules, drivers will only need to slow down near schools during the peak hours of 8:30-9:30am and 2:30-3:30pm on school days. This decision follows changes to Government speed limit legislation introduced in 2022, which allowed councils to implement more flexible speed zones.

Resident Grant McFaul, who previously criticized the permanent 30kph speed limits, welcomed their removal, describing the change as “common sense finally prevail[ing].” McFaul had argued against Ashburton becoming a "turtle town" and expressed frustration over past legislation that constrained the council's ability to implement variable speed zones . The council initially adopted the permanent limits in May 2023, a decision that sparked community backlash and prompted Mayor Neil Brown to call for a review within a month .

The introduction of variable speed limits coincides with the installation of new signs approved by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency. These changes are set to take effect before the new school year begins, with contractors completing installation by January 27.

Council infrastructure manager Neil McCann noted strong support for reduced speeds near schools but acknowledged that many residents opposed the permanent nature of the prior limits. The new approach ensures that outside peak times, standard road speeds will apply, but motorists are advised to maintain caution near schools.