- 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?
- Will lower speed limits help reduce the number of crashes?
- Won’t the new lower speed limits mean the trip will take a lot longer?
- Did you consult with the public on these changes?
- What is happening with Te Puia Springs township proposed speed limit change?
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:
- Okitu township has been vocal via petitions and letters that they were strongly concerned at the speed vehicles were travelling adjacent to a popular beach for families and tourists.
- Te Puia Springs township expressed concerns with the speed of vehicles, including large logging trucks, through the township which has a narrow road corridor.
- The majority of the Gisborne to Te Puia section of SH35 has been identified as being in the Top 10% Deaths and Serious Injuries (DSI) saving corridors in New Zealand.
- Between 2009 and July 2019 there were 377 crashes between Gisborne and Te Puia Springs, with nine fatalities and 46 serious injuries.
- Of these deaths and serious injuries 20% were in the locations proposed in this speed review with three fatalities and eight serious injuries on the Makorori to Pouawa section.
What are the new permanent speed limits?
| Location | New speed limit from 8 Sept 2020 |
|---|---|
| Tamarau From 20m north-west of Coldstream Road to 60m east of Wheatstone Road. |
60km/h |
| Okitu Township rom 100m south-west of Wairere Road to 390m north of Sirrah Street. |
60km/h |
| Makorori to Pouawa From 390m north of Sirrah Street to 400m south of Pouawa Bridge. |
80km/h |
| Turihaua and Pouawa Beaches (seasonal) From 600m south of Turihaua Bridge to 400m south of Pouawa Bridge. This seasonal speed limit is from 20 December to 1 February. |
60km/h |
How were those limits decided?
The speed review process involves numerous steps that help determine the speed limits we propose at consultation.
A technical assessment was completed which considers 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 consultation period was four weeks. Once consultation closed, we analysed the submissions and re-analysed our technical information.
During consultation we ask the community and road users for submissions on any external factors, we may need to be aware of. The consultation period rans for a minimum of 4 weeks. Once consultation closes, we analyse the submissions and review 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
Consultation summary
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
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 Tuesday 08 September 2020
The public will be notified of the new permanent speed limits through the newspaper, on the radio, on the Transport Agency website, and on social media.
How many crashes have happened on the route?
Between 2009 and July 2019 there have been 377 crashes between Gisborne and Te Puia Springs, with nine fatalities and 46 serious injuries.
Will lower speed limits help reduce the number of crashes?
The new permanent speed limits are estimated to reduce the number of crashes by 25% This will also reduce the amount of time the road is closed due to crashes and reduce inconvenience to drivers.
A 2018 study from the International Transport Forum estimates that for every 5km/h reduction in average speeds, there is a 28 percent reduction in fatal crashes and a 26 percent reduction in serious injury crashes.
International Transport Forum speed and crash risk study(external link)
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.
Won’t the new lower speed limits mean the trip will take a lot longer?
Reducing the speed limits as proposed at these locations will increase travel times by only 80 to 110 seconds if driving from Te Puia Springs to Gisborne and depending on the time of year (holiday speed limit through Pouawa is in place from 20 December to 1 February each summer).
Did you consult with the public on these changes?
Yes. Between 4 November and 6 December 2019 we consulted with the public on the proposed permanent speed limits. We received 335 submissions. You can read our consultation summary and view the submissions at
Consultation summary report [PDF, 724 KB]
Consultation submissions [PDF, 2.4 MB]
What is happening with Te Puia Springs township proposed speed limit change?
Following submissions on Te Puia Springs Township and further analysis of our technical data, we’ve decided to reconsider the proposed speed limit change on this section. We’re planning to re-consult with the Te Puia Springs community about a new proposed speed limit. We will provide further information about this in the coming months.
