- Why did you have to set new speed limits?
There were a number of safety issues with the state highway in this location, these had also been raised by the community. They included:
- Intersections on this road, particularly at Rapanui Road, feel unsafe.
- Increased traffic and new residential developments. The current speeds are no longer safe or right for the area.
- Crash history - between 2009 and 2018 there were 21 crashes on this stretch of road, where two people died and three were seriously injured.
- What are the new permanent speed limits?
From 18 December 2020, the speed limits will be:
- 50km/h - from 30m south of Turere Place/Great North Road (SH3) intersection to 200m north of Tirimoana Place/Great North Road (SH3) intersection. Currently the speed limit on this section is 70km/h.
- 80km/h - from 200m north of Tirimoana Place/Great North Road (SH3) intersection to 100m north of Blue Skin Road/Great North Road (SH3) intersection. Currently the speed limit on this section is 100km/h.
View the new permanent speed limits map [PDF, 2.7 MB]
Close - 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, councils, 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 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, please read our consultation summary report.
Consultation summary report [PDF, 396 KB]
Speed review process(external link)
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.
The Speed Management Guide(external link)
Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2017(external link)
Close - When do the speed limit changes come into effect and how are the public being notified?
The new speed limits take effect on Friday 18 December 2020.
The public will be notified of the new permanent speed limits through the newspaper, on the radio, on the Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency website, and on social media. The public will see the new speed limit signs up from 18 December 2020.
Close - How many crashes have happened on the route?
In the ten years between 2009 and 2018, there were 21 crashes on this road. Two people died and three people were 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.
Close - Will lower speed limits help reduce the number of crashes?
The new permanent speed limits are estimated to reduce the number of crashes by 16%. This will also reduce the amount of time the road is closed due to crashes and reduce inconvenience to drivers.
Close - 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 2.7km section of road, the travel time would only increase by approximately 21 seconds.
Close - Did you consult with the public on these changes?
Yes. In November and December 2019, we consulted with the public on the proposed permanent speed limits. We received 886 submissions.
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