Why did you have to set new speed limits?
There were several safety issues with the highway in this location, these had also been raised by the community. They included:
- Driver behaviour, including speeding
- Some local community members had raised that the current speed limit didn’t feel safe. The highway is close to a popular bike park, and two local schools where many students must cross the road to get to school
- Poor signage and visibility
- The increasing numbers of heavy commercial and agricultural vehicles using this road.
A small change in speed makes a big difference, especially when cyclists or pedestrians are involved. With to schools close to this section of highway many students must cross this road to get two and from school. Most crashes are caused by a variety of contributing factors. Even when speed doesn’t cause the crash, it is most likely to determine if anyone is killed, injured, or walks away unharmed.
What is the new permanent speed limit?
- 50km/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 involves completing a technical assessment. This looks at the road environment, traffic volumes, the crash history, and how people are currently travelling on this road.
Following the technical assessment, we carry out informal engagement with the local community, road user groups, members of the public, councils, AA, road transport association, and the Police. Engagement feedback helps to determine if and what we formally consult on for proposed speed limit changes.
During consultation we ask the community and road users for submissions on any external factors, we may need to be aware of. Speed review consultation runs for four weeks. Once consultation closes submissions are analysed and our technical assessment reviewed.
The consultation for the proposed speed limit change 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.
Speed review process
Consultation summary report
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 does new speed limit change come into effect and how are the public being notified?
The new speed limit takes effect on 16 October 2020.
The public will be notified of the new permanent speed limit through the newspaper, on the Waka Kotahi website, and via social media.
Won’t the new lower speed limits mean the trip will take a lot longer?
With the new 50km/h speed limit applying to a short 300m section of highway there will be minimal impact on the travel times for highway users.
Did you consult with the public on these changes?
Yes. From mid-October to mid-November 2019 we consulted with the local community and public on this proposed permanent speed limit. We received 48 submissions. You can read our consultation summary and view the submissions.
Consultation summary report [PDF, 768 KB]
Consultation submissions [PDF, 1.5 MB]
