Drivers on the Huon Highway at Geeveston will soon have to slow to 40km/h outside a local school during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up times.
The transport commissioner has approved a part-time school zone speed limit for a 280-metre section of the highway near Sacred Heart Catholic School.
On school days, the limit will drop from 80km/h to 40km/h between 8:30am and 9:10am and again between 2:30pm and 3:10pm.
A 60km/h limit will also apply for 200 metres on either side of the school zone.
The change follows a request from the school and an assessment by Building Tasmania’s Transport Group.
“Building Tasmania’s assessment supported a safer speed limit due to the heightened risk of future crashes at the school’s access, including regular reports of near-miss rear-end crashes caused by traffic queuing on the highway as road users wait to turn right into the school,” a spokesperson said.
“The reduced speed limit will give road users more time to react to traffic turning in and out of the school and make it easier for drivers exiting the school to judge safe gaps in fast-moving traffic.”
“It will also improve safety for children walking or riding to school, with pedestrian activity expected to increase as a nearby subdivision is developed.”
The new speed limits will take effect once signs are installed, which is expected to happen next week.
