The NZ Transport Agency and Police have joined together to enhance the safety of the public and crews at roadworks sites in the Taupō district.
Over the next week Police will be educating drivers about the correct speeds and ensuring the right traffic management is used at roadworks sites on Taupō state highways.
Transport Agency Director of Safety and Environment Harry Wilson says with more roadwork crews on the roads over the coming months, drivers need to remember to slow down through roadworks and drive to the conditions.
“While we know that roadworks can be dusty, noisy and generally a bit of a pain, drivers will have a better, safer journey once the work is done.
“Everyone has a role to play in reducing the harm that happens on our roads, so we’re asking people to be patient and observe temporary speed restrictions.
“These are in place to protect the safety of the road workers and to limit damage to the sites our crews are working on,” Mr Wilson says.
Police spokesperson Senior Sergeant Fane Troy, Area Manager for Road Policing in Taupō says it’s crucial motorists observe speed restrictions at all times.
“The speed limit is the speed limit, and it’s not a target. We want people to focus on driving safely and to the conditions.
“Speed restrictions also help to prevent windscreen damage, which tends to arise from people driving too fast through roadworks and flicking up loose chips into other vehicles.
“Even if there is no work happening onsite, drivers need to keep their speeds down to let the new surface cure – otherwise it can get ripped up and it will have to be re-laid, meaning the restrictions would be in place longer,” says Senior Sergeant Troy.
The Transport Agency and Police thanks people for their patience and understanding while travelling through work sites.
Travellers can get information on journey times, and possible delays on www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz(external link) or by calling 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 444 449).
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