NZTA discusses speed rules

The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) is in the middle of discussions in relation to speed management on the roads.  As part of the draft Land Transport Rule - Setting Speed Limits (2017), the NZTA is encouraging Kiwis to have their say on a new approach for setting speed limits in New Zealand. NZ Transport Agency Road Safety Director Harry Wilson says the draft Rule will introduce a modern, evidence-based approach for calculating speed limits on New Zealand roads. According to Wilson, while changes may be appropriate where current travel speeds or speed limits are clearly too low or too high, there are no plans for wholesale changes to speed limits. "Not all roads have the same risk, and we need to reflect that in the way we manage speed. The priority will be looking at roads where changes to travel speeds will have the greatest impact on safety or economic productivity," he says.  The draft Rule will also enable the NZTA to set 110 kilometre per hour speed limits for the first time on selected routes. "Some stretches of our most modern roads built to a standard that supports higher travel speeds without compromising safety will be considered for 110kmh limits. These roads will need to have at least two lanes in each direction, a median barrier, and no direct access to neighbouring properties." While the Tauranga Eastern Link and the Cambridge section of the Waikato Expressway already fit this criteria, other roads currently under construction, such as Transmission Gully and the Northern and Southern sections of the Christchurch Motorway may also be considered.  Consultation on the Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2017 will be open until 5pm Friday, June 16. More information can be found here.