The NZ Transport Agency will be lowering the speed limit to a section of SH1 at St Andrew's, Blenheim, this week.
The NZ Transport Agency will be lowering the speed limit to a section of SH1 at St Andrew’s, Blenheim this week.
Wellington Regional Director Dr Deborah Hume says the speed of a section of SH1 from approximately Lybster Street to beyond the current posted limit east of Alabama Road will be lowered to 70km/h from 80km/h on Friday (27 February) with signage in place ready for the change.
“Motorists need to take note of the new speed limit because from Friday onwards it will be enforceable,” Dr Hume says.
The move to lower speed on this particular section of SH1 in Blenheim follows a crash reduction study which showed the area warranted having its speed reduced. Dr Hume says the change is likely to be met with approval by the local community as it will improve safety at the Alabama Road intersection and lower speeds in the area.
“The speed sign should also make it more obvious to motorists that they are entering Blenheim township and need to slow down.”
Dr Hume pointed out changes to speed limits generally only occur where it makes sense.
“We can’t simply lower or raise a speed limit because we or other people are keen for it to happen. We have to follow a set of rules governing speed limits and use commonsense. It’s not sensible to have a speed limit that nobody will obey or is contradictory to safety.”
For more information please contact
Andree Kai Fong
Communications advisor
T 64 4 801 2521
M 027 672 5881
F 64 4 801 2599
E andree.kaifong@nzta.govt.nz
