Change for the variable speed limit on SH60 High Street Motueka
Tamariki and whānau travelling to and from school in Motueka will feel safer with a change to the variable school speed limit on State Highway 60, High Street.
From Monday 22 May 2023, the existing 40km/h school variable speed limit will change to 30km/h during peak school times. Outside peak school times a 50km/h speed limit will apply.
Variable speed limits are an enforceable speed limit when activated during peak school times. This variable speed limit will operate from 8.25-9am and 2.55-3.15pm during school term. It may also operate at other times when there are school-related vehicle or pedestrian activities. When the variable speed limit is active, the speed limit is 30km/h and is displayed on an electronic sign. At all other times, the speed limit is 50km/h.
We considered all submissions received during consultation undertaken in accordance with the Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2017 and the transitional provisions of the Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2022 on the variable speed limit change for SH60 Motueka, Tasman.
For further information, please visit our frequently asked questions page.
Background
In late 2021, we formally consulted on proposed changes to speed limits along Motueka’s High St (SH60).
We want everyone who uses our roads to get home safely. 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. A small reduction in speed can make a big difference, especially when cyclists or pedestrians are involved.
Formal consultation on the new speed limit proposals is required under the Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits (2017).
What we heard
We asked people what they thought of the current speed limits along High Street in Motueka on SH60. Some people in the community raised concerns about speed limits needing to be more suitable for people cycling or crossing the roads in the town centre. People also mentioned they did not want to see too many different speed limits along High Street. We have considered this feedback in deciding the proposed changes to speed limits.
What we know
High Street is a busy road with lots of people driving, walking and cycling through the area. It includes the town centre for Motueka, and a number of schools, houses and businesses are located along the road.
High Street is also used by people and freight as a through-road to get to other parts of the Tasman, West Coast and Nelson regions.
What other changes are we making to High Street?
In August 2021, we started work to install traffic signals for the Pah/Greenwood/High Street and Tudor/High Street intersections and pedestrian traffic signals for the existing zebra crossing on High Street near Wallace Street.
A new raised roundabout has been constructed at the Old Wharf Rd/ King Edward St/High St intersection.
The new speed limit, alongside the traffic signals and roundabout will help make High Street safer for everyone, especially those walking or cycling within the busy town centre.
New speed limit
Based on the information gathered through consultation and our technical review process, our decision is to proceed with the proposed speed limit change through the Motueka town centre.
At this stage we will not be changing the variable school zone speed limit. The variable school speed limit will remain at 40km/h with a 50km/h outside peak school times. We are working through a separate approval process to be able to install a 30km/h variable school speed limit with a 50km/h outside peak school times.
| Confirmed speed limit changes for State Highway 60, High Street Motueka | ||
|
Location |
Current speed limit (km/h) |
New permanent speed limit (km/h) from 8 April 2022 |
|
Existing 50/100 change point 220m south of SH60 / Wharf Road roundabout to approximately 35m south of the Whakarewa Street intersection The School Zone is proposed to go from 55m south of Courtney Street to the existing school variable speed limit sign 40m south of Old Wharf Road |
50km/h with a 40km/h electronic variable school zone The School Zone currently goes from south of the Jack Inglis Friendship Hospital entrance to south of the SH60 / Old Wharf Road intersection |
At this stage we will not be changing the variable school zone speed limit. The variable school speed limit will remain at 40km/h with a 50km/h outside peak school times. We are working through a separate approval process to be able to install a 30km/h variable school speed limit with a 50km/h outside peak school times. |
|
35m south of the Whakarewa Street intersection to 85m south of the Poole Street intersection |
50km/h |
30km/h |
|
85m south of the Poole Street intersection to the existing 80/50 change point 325m north of Parker Street |
50km/h |
50km/h (no change) |
New speed limit map
Download larger map [PDF, 261 KB]
Consultations and submissions
Public consultation closed Friday 5 November 2021.
75 submissions were received during the consultation period from stakeholder organisations and the public.
SH60 High St Motueka consultation submissions [PDF, 142 KB]
SH60 High St Motueka speed review consultation summary [PDF, 554 KB]
