Safe speeds are fundamental to improving safety on New Zealand roads, by reducing the likelihood of people crashing and reducing the severity of crashes. This helps save lives and prevent serious injuries.
Safe speeds also generate wider societal benefits, including reduced climate change impacts of road transport, increased fuel and vehicle efficiency, improved inclusion and walkability, improved accessibility, and greater physical activity.
The safe system approach recognises people make mistakes and are vulnerable in a crash. Setting safe speed limits is just one way to improve safety on our roads.
The Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2024 (the Rule) sets out criteria, requirements and procedures to be followed by Road Controlling Authorities (RCAs) when reviewing and setting speed limits for roads within their control.
