Have your say on setting speed limits
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is seeking feedback on plans for a new approach to setting speed limits.
Public consultation has begun on the “Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2021”, which aims to improve the process for speed management and planning for safety infrastructure on our roads.
Changes proposed by the rule will require Waka Kotahi and regional transport committees to produce detailed speed management plans every three years, setting out all proposed adjustments over a 10-year period.
This will include any alterations to speed limits as well as details about the potential use of safety cameras on high-risk routes.
Waka Kotahi’s speed management plans will cover state highways, while plans drawn up by regional transport committees will deal with local roads.
Kane Patena, director of land transport at Waka Kotahi, says producing and consulting on the plans every three years will give communities an opportunity to provide regular input.
“The current process for making changes to speed limits, through local bylaws or a gazetting process, can be a lengthy, complicated and often difficult process for communities to engage in,” he explains.
“The changes proposed in this rule aim to make the process simpler, more effective and more transparent for everyone.”
Improving safety outside schools is also a focus of the rule. It suggests speed limits around urban schools be reduced to 30kph, or to a maximum of 40kph where appropriate, and to a maximum of 60kph around rural schools.
Patena, pictured, says: “New Zealand’s roads vary hugely, in geography, traffic volumes and the types of vehicles that use them. Speed limits need to reflect these unique factors and the specific risks of each road.
“We need safer speed limits that better protect all road users, particularly on high-risk roads and around schools.
“Local communities know the roads in their areas well, and we’re keen to hear their views on the changes proposed in this rule.”
Public consultation ends on June 25, 2021. To find out more and to share your view, visit www.nzta.govt.nz/speedrule2021.
