The Wanaka Community Board has approved the use of two types of speed limit signage, which will be installed on roads surrounding the town's developing school precinct, at a cost of about $63,000.
Queenstown Lakes District Council transport project manager Rob Darby is to meet representatives from the New Zealand Transport Agency to discuss funding for the new signage this week.
"Variable" speed signs, which display a lowered speed limit of 40kmh during the peak traffic flow times of 8.30am and 3pm, are to be installed along Plantation Rd outside the entrance to Mount Aspiring College.
"Active" speed signage, which displays flashing lights to alert motorists to monitor their speed at a limit of 50kmh, is to be installed on arterial roads bordering a developing school precinct in Wanaka.
The active signs will be installed on Aubrey Rd, Totara Tce, and Kings Drive, containing Wanaka's Holy Family Primary School and the new Wanaka Primary School which is due to be completed at Scurr Heights in October.
Meanwhile, QLDC transport manager Denis Mander has invited Wanaka primary-age pupils and their families to take a "fresh and new look" at school travel choices.
The completion soon of Wanaka Primary School meant the "timing was perfect" to reassess how children travelled to and from school, he said.
The council has implemented infrastructure measures to support safe walking and cycling to school, such as the shared path facility on Aubrey Rd, Mr Mander said.
New safety measures, such as the speed limit signage, were also on the horizon and the council wanted to work with schools and their pupils on travel choices.
"Up to 75% of children are being driven to school by parents, which in turn creates parking, safety and health issues," Mr Mander said.
Research showed children preferred to bike, walk or bus to school, he said.
The council had conducted a survey of both the Holy Family and Wanaka Primary School. Results showed convenience and distance were the two main reasons for parents choosing to drive children to school, he said.
The council will hold a series of informal "drop-in" sessions - open to any school pupils and their families - to discuss ideas about school travel options, Mr Mander said.
The sessions are scheduled for Wanaka Primary School (Tenby St), September 9, 2.15pm-3.15pm; Holy Family School, September 9, 7pm- 8.30pm; and Holy Family School, September 10, 2.30pm-3.30pm.
