Changing speed limits is a legal process that involves a number of steps. Our 2022 consultation proposals were informed by the public engagement process carried out in 2021, and our technical reviews.
When making a technical assessment, we look at crash data, how the road is used, and its physical features.
Some of the factors we consider are:
- how many and what types of vehicles use the road, and how fast they typically travel
- whether it will be obvious to drivers why the speed limit is set at a certain level
- how straight or curvy the road is, how the surrounding land is used, and how many intersections and driveways there are
- how many crashes have occurred on the road in the past, and their severity.
Speed review process
|
Speed review starts |
A technical assessment of the road is carried out to find out about crash history, average vehicle speeds, volume of vehicles and development of surrounding areas. This helps to determine what safe and appropriate speeds should be. |
|
Engagement |
We talk to local communities and stakeholders to understand how the road is being used, find out any safety concerns and get feedback on current speeds. |
|
Public consultation
|
Changing a speed limit is a legal process, so this stage involves sharing a detailed proposal with people and asking for any additional information that might have an impact on the final decision. We also talk with iwi, hapū and council partners during this phase of the process. |
|
Approval of speed limit change |
We consider feedback from engagement and consultation to help us finalise the proposed speed limit changes. We submit proposed speed limit changes to the Director of Land Transport for approval and publish the approval on our website. |
|
New speed limit implemented |
We let people know the date speed limits will change, we install the new speed limit signs on the road, then implement the new speed limits. |
More information
Learn more about speed management and how we decide on speed limits
