- Why did you have to set new speed limits?
- What are the new permanent speed limits?
- How were those limits decided?
- When do the speed limit changes come into effect and how are the public being notified?
- How many crashes have happened on the route?
- What will lowering the speed limit really do?
- Won’t the new lower speed limits mean the trip will take a lot longer?
- Did you consult with the public on these changes?
- How are you prioritising speed limit changes over other safety improvements?
- What is happening with safety and other improvements on State Highway 22 and surrounding areas?
Why did you have to set new speed limits?
We have talked to the community, local board, the local police, road user and freight groups, and local businesses about the current speed limits between Drury interchange and Paerata, and they have raised concerns that the current speeds feel too high to be safe this stretch of SH22.
Between 2009 and 2018, there were 212 crashes on this stretch of road. 7 people were killed and 42 people were seriously injured.
Lower permanent speed limits are needed to reduce the number of crashes and resulting deaths and serious injuries.
What are the new permanent speed limits?
| Location | Existing speed limit | New speed limits (come into effect on 30 June 2020) |
|
SH22 Drury interchange
|
70km/h | 60km/h |
|
SH22 Drury interchange to Paerata
|
100km/h | 80km/h |
|
SH22 Paerata township
|
70km/h | 60km/h |
How were those limits decided?
The speed review process involves numerous steps that help determine the speed limits we propose at consultation.
The first step is completing a technical assessment which takes into account the road itself, the traffic volumes, the crash history, and the way people are currently travelling on the roads.
Following the technical assessment, we undertook informal engagement with road user groups, members of the public, local board, AA, road transport associations, and the police. The feedback we received from engagement helped to determine if and what we will formally consult on for proposed speed limit changes.
During consultation we asked the community and road users for submissions on any external factors we may need to be aware of. The consultation period ran for a minimum of 4 weeks. Once consultation closed, we analysed the submissions and reviewed our technical assessment.
The consultation for the proposed speed limit changes is not a vote, it is about seeking valuable local and community input so that we can consider wider factors and context into our decisions.
For more information about how we reached these decisions, read our consultation summary report [PDF, 1.2 MB]
Learn about the speed review process
Setting new speed limits is a legal process, and Waka Kotahi as a Road Controlling Authority (RCA) is responsible for setting new speed limits on New Zealand’s state highways. We are guided by the Speed Management Guide, which is a national framework that helps RCAs make informed, accurate and consistent speed management decisions in their communities. We also need to adhere to the Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2017, which sets out the roles and responsibilities of the RCAs for reviewing and setting speed limits.
Speed Management Guide [PDF, 7.4 MB]
Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2017
When do the speed limit changes come into effect and how are the public being notified?
The new speed limits take effect on 30 June 2020.
The public will be notified of the new permanent speed limits on the Transport Agency website, through local advertising, and on social media. The public will see the new speed limit signs up from 30 June 2020.
How many crashes have happened on the route?
There have been 212 crashes on this stretch of road in the last ten years (Between 2009 and 2018). 7 people have died, and 42 people seriously injured.
A small change in speed makes a big difference, especially when cyclists or pedestrians are involved. Most crashes are caused by a number of contributing factors, but even when speed doesn’t cause the crash, it is most likely to determine whether anyone is killed, injured, or walks away unharmed.
What will lowering the speed limit really do?
Less speed means less harm. A small change in speed makes a big difference. Speed affects both the likelihood of a crash, and the severity of it. Even when speed doesn’t cause the crash, it is most likely to determine whether anyone is killed or injured or walks away unharmed. Fewer crashes will also reduce the amount of time the road is closed due to crashes and reduce inconvenience to drivers.
Won’t the new lower speed limits mean the trip will take a lot longer?
The permanent speed limits will have a minimal impact on travel times. Over the 11.5km route, the travel time would only increase by approximately 26 seconds.
Did you consult with the public on these changes?
Yes. In October and November 2019, we formally consulted with the public on the proposed permanent speed limits.
How are you prioritising speed limit changes over other safety improvements?
To address safety concerns, we are planning a range of safety improvements on SH22, as well as reviewing speed limits. As part of the proposed safety improvements, and review of speed limits, the agency engaged with the local community and key stakeholders. We have funding to progress with the design of safety improvements and are putting forward a further funding request to construct these. We are implementing safer speeds on this road as this is something we can do now to improve safety.
What is happening with safety and other improvements on State Highway 22 and surrounding areas?
We are progressing safety improvements (including safety barriers and intersection improvements) to reduce the number of crashes including head-on crashes. We have funding to progress with design of the safety improvements and are seeking funding to construct these. We are implementing safer speeds on this road as this is something we can do now to improve safety.
We are continuing work on other projects to help ensure safe transport and respond to growth across the south, including the Supporting Growth Programme and the Papakura to Bombay.
SH1 Papakura to Bombay project
The Papakura to Bombay project will make improvements to State Highway 1 (SH1) between the Papakura interchange and a planned new interchange at Drury South (between Drury and Ramarama).
The Supporting Growth project is seeking community feedback until 12 June 2020 on a range of proposals including the Mill Road corridor from Manukau to Drury, rail upgrades and new train stations, road improvements as well as public transport and walking and cycling networks.
