There’s still time to have your say on proposed speed changes between Longburn and Palmerston North.
Consultation on proposed safer speed limits on State Highway 56 in Longburn village and between Longburn and Palmerston North has been open since 24 July. It is set to close on Monday (21 August).
During community engagement last year, there was good support for safer speeds from people who felt the current speeds were too high.
That feedback has helped shape the proposed safer speed limits that are currently being consulted on.
The proposed changes would see the speed limit in Longburn Village lowered from 70km/h to 50km/h.
The stretch of highway northeast of Longburn to Palmerston North is proposed to change from 100km/h to 80km/h.
Since 2013 there have been 61 recorded crashes on SH56 from Ngaire Street South on the south side of Longburn to the Mangaone Stream Bridge at Pioneer Highway. Four people died and six were seriously injured in crashes on this stretch.
Waka Kotahi Central North Island Director of Regional Relationships Linda Stewart says when speed limits are safer; there are fewer crashes and the severity of those crashes also reduces – provided people adhere to the safer speeds.
“As your speed increases, you have less time to react. A small change in speed can make a big difference to the outcome of a crash.”
“The proposed safer speeds will help to keep everyone safe and also supports potential future residential growth in the area. It’s important we hear from as many people as possible – drivers of the road, local communities and local businesses. Consultation is crucial to ensure we’re able to work in partnership with people who know the area well,” says Ms Stewart.
Have your say by completing the online survey, or by downloading and printing the survey form.
Complete the online survey(external link)
Download and print the survey form
More information can be found at:
nzta.govt.nz/Longburn2PN
