Project introduction

Waka Kotahi is reviewing speeds along SH7 between Maruia Springs and Reefton, where safer speed limits will help stop any more people being killed or seriously injured in crashes.

  • Estimated project dates

    Nov 2021–Jun 2024
  • Project type

    Speed review

Making SH7 between Maruia Springs and Reefton safer

Thank you to everyone who gave feedback on this section of highway in November 2021.

Proposed changes to speed limits in this corridor are included in New Zealand’s draft Interim State Highway Speed Management Plan. This plan sets out proposed speed limit changes and safety improvements included in the current 2021-2024 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) period and precedes our full state highway speed management plan that will cover the next NLTP period.

You can have your say on proposed new speed limits for Punakaiki, Reefton and Blacks Point townships as well as a number of West Coast schools as part of the Interim State Highway Speed Management Plan consultation.

Have your say on proposed new speed limits

Why safe speeds are important

  • Even when speed doesn’t cause the crash, it’s what will be most likely to determine whether anyone is killed, injured, or walks away unharmed from that crash.
  • As your speed increases you have less time to react.
  • When speeds are safe for the road, simple mistakes are less likely to end in tragedy.
  • Safer speeds are safer for everyone/all road users.
  • A small change in speed can make a big difference to the outcome of a crash.
  • The speeds on a road impact how safe other road users feel to walk, bike, or travel with their children on that same road.

Speed review process

The stages of the speed review process are:

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.
Formal 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.
Notification of speed limit change Feedback is considered, a final decision is published on our website, and the public is notified.
New speed limit implemented New speed limit signs are installed on the road.

Find out more about the speed review process