Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
People living in Northland and north Auckland are being encouraged to give their feedback on proposed safer speeds at schools and townships on 11 corridors across the region.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is formally consulting on proposed safer speeds at targeted areas on these corridors from today, 17 May.
Community and stakeholder input was sought in 2021, and this consultation marks the next stage in the speed review process, providing a final opportunity for people to have their say before the speed limits for these areas are decided.
As well as recommending lowered speeds outside schools and through townships, the consultation will also involve close collaboration with iwi and hapū on signage, to alert road users to the presence of marae on these roads.
Waka Kotahi Director of Regional Relationships Steve Mutton explains that the proposed speed limits are driven by a need to improve safety and reduce harm for all road users.
“We’re putting the safety of people – and in the case of schools – our tamariki, first. We know that speed isn’t always the cause of a crash, but it is always a major factor in the severity of a crash’s outcome.”
“Our technical review shows a reduction in speed at schools and townships will reduce deaths and serious injuries on these corridors. We also know that there is a strong desire within local communities to see lowered speeds in areas where there are school students, and in growing towns and villages with increased road and foot traffic.”
Everyone is encouraged to have their say during consultation, and to help identify any factors which may not have been considered.
The public consultation period runs from 17 May to 11pm on 14 June 2022.
People can get more information on the proposals and provide feedback by:
Two online Q&A sessions will provide further opportunities to ask questions and share views. They are scheduled for Tuesday 24 May 12-1pm and Wednesday 1 June 4-5pm – register to attend at nzta.govt.nz/naklspeedreviews(external link)
Mr Mutton recommends that anyone interested in these speed reviews takes the time to read the proposals, make a submission, and watch a newly-created video series – Safer Speed Champions(external link).
“Safer Speed Champions features some wonderful Northlanders telling their stories about how speed has affected their personal and professional lives. They prove that no matter whether you’re the victim of a speed-related crash, or dealing with the aftermath of one, the impact is profound,” says Mr Mutton.
Links to more information about speed reviews:
State highways being reviewed(external link)
- SH1 Pukenui to Kaitaia
- SH10 Pakaraka to Taipa
- SH11 Kawakawa to Paihia
- SH1 Kawakawa to Whangārei
- SH15 between SH1 (north of Kaikohe) and Otaika
- SH12 Ōmāpere to Kaikohe
- SH14 Dargaville to Whangārei
- SH12 Brynderwyn to Ōmāpere
- SH1 Whangārei to Te Hana
- SH1 Te Hana to Warkworth
- SH16 Wellsford to Waimauku
