Speed limits have just been lowered at three sites on State highways in the Dunedin City area to improve road safety and make the limits more appropriate to the activities and developments in these locations.
The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) says new speed limits on SH1 at Braeside between Mosgiel and East Taieri have dropped by 20km/h to 80km/h, SH1 through East Taieri decreases from 70km/h to 60km/h and a new 70km/h speed limit is operating on SH87 through Hyde.
NZ Transport Agency Otago/Southland State Highways Manager Ian Duncan says the changes are the result of a review of the speed limits through these areas, and follow extensive consultation with the AA, and Dunedin City Council. Police also support the review and setting of safe speed limits across the network.
Mr Duncan said the lower speed limits are part of the NZTA’s ‘safe system’ approach to road safety.
"We’re aiming to reduce deaths and serious injuries by taking action in four key areas – safe roads and roadsides, safe vehicles, safe road use and safe speeds.
The NZTA is making significant safety improvement investments on the region’s roads. We are also working with police to promote safe driving through advertising and enforcement, and are encouraging people to buy the safest vehicles they can afford.
Ian Duncan says in addition to this, we’re also aiming to set speed limits that are appropriate for the function and level of safety on a particular road, and that make sense in the minds of most drivers.
Increasingly, this will see road user’s travel at the speed limit for that road and the new lower speed limit at these three sites around Dunedin should help to achieve this he said.
