The requirements for school safety signage New Zealand schools must follow are clearly defined in national standards, to ensure they effectively communicate with road users. These standards specify exact dimensions, colors, reflectivity requirements, and placement guidelines that must be followed for compliance. RTL supply NZ Transport Agency approved, school crossing and school signs for both Standard School Crossings and Kea Crossings. For example, our Stayput School Patrol System is available for both crossing types, designed store the school patrol arm at the road and incorporate a school graphic and safety message.
Traffic Control Devices - Part 5 Schools School Traffic Safety Teams Kea Crossings vs School Crossings Traffic Note - 29 NZTA Education Portal
School Crossing / Zebra Crossing
Standard School Crossings, also known as Zebra Crossings, provide full-time pedestrian safety with their distinctive black and white poles, painted lines, and orange belisha discs. These full-time crossings feature painted lines similar to regular pedestrian crossings. The black and white alternating school patrol arms ("lollipop signs") serve as clear visual indicators for approaching drivers.
Standard School Crossing / Zebra Crossing
- Features painted lines similar to pedestrian crossings
- Uses black and white poles and signs to mimic road markings
- Includes orange belisha discs (only used at Zebra Crossings)
- Functions as a full-time pedestrian crossing
Kea Crossings / School Crossing Points
Kea crossing signs NZ schools implement have specific design and placement requirements that must be strictly followed. These crossings are designed for supervised operation during peak school hours and require particular signage elements. As per the TCD, a kea crossing is a part time crossing facility and therefore depends on the temporary W16-4.1 flags for their conspicuity.
Kea Crossings / School Crossing Points
- Not a permanent pedestrian crossing
- Road reverts to normal roadway outside crossing times
- Uses plain white poles and school patrol arms
- Features distinctive Kea Crossing Flags (only displayed during active times)
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key differences between Kea crossings and standard school crossings?
Standard school crossings (with zebra crossing), are classed as a permanent installation with continuous operation. Kea crossings are designed for supervised operation during peak school hours only. They use flags that must be removed when not in operation. The technical specifications differ in terms of road markings, signage requirements, and operational protocols. Check out our comparison overview of the major differences here.
How often should school safety signage be inspected and maintained?
Due to the high usage and constant movement, RTL would like school patrol setups inspected regularly for reflectivity, damage, and correct positioning. A complete technical assessment should be conducted annually.
What are the key differences between Stayput School Patrol Arms and the traditional arms?
Before our Stayput School Patrol System was invented, the lollipop STOP signs are carried "stretcher fashion" to the crossing, both morning and afternoon times. The Stayput Integrated locking mechanism and a protected storage compartment, that eliminates daily equipment transport.
Funding Applications
How does a school apply for funding for a new Stayput?
The stay put school patrol system has been implemented by councils nationwide to streamline crossing operations and reduce administrative burden on schools. The application process for funding differs slightly depending on the road control authority. Factors include, walking distance and ease of accessibility, specific site locations and funding allocation. If you would like your council featured - please contact RTL.
For Travelwise / Auckland Transport
- Request something new like stayput signs, school patrol arms
- When making a request online, go to: https://at.govt.nz/. Then create for your School a MyAT Account.
- After you’ve created your account, copy and paste the following link into the search bar (then press Enter)
- This will take you directly to the page, ask for new stay-put signs; here you will first enter your School location, and then further down the page write in your request in the box. You can advise where you would like to have stayput signs and why.
Whangarei District Council
- If any Whangarei schools wish to upgrade to a stayput system, they should email RoadSafetyEducation@wdc.govt.nz to put in a request.
- We work closely with Police in our School Community Officer team to prioritise schools looking to upgrade to a stayput system so that those with the greatest need are pushed to the top of the list.
- Schools that sign up to School Travel Planning may also secure infrastructure improvements as part of their school travel action plan, which identifies ways to reduce congestion at the school gate and make it safer for everyone getting to school.
- Reach more on the Community Road Safety Page: https://www.wdc.govt.nz/Community/Safer-communities/Community-road-safety
Give us a call on 0800 785 744 or email sales@rtl.co.nz or marketing@rtl.co.nz for clarification or more information. Our Team are here to help.
