Road Safety Changes to Camberwell Road

Following a three-month trial period, changes have been made to the traffic safety/calming measures introduced on the section of Camberwell Road outside Hawera’s new school, Te Paepae o Aotea.

South Taranaki District Council (STDC) group manager of Infrastructure Services Herbert Denton says after meeting with stakeholders and residents it was decided to reduce the number of speed cushions installed along the road, relocate two and remove the Stop sign at the Camberwell Road and Surrey Street intersection.

“In addition, and along with schools throughout the district, the speed limit around Te Paepae o Aotea will also be reduced to 30km per hour,” say Denton. “Over the next 12 months the Council’s roading team will progressively install new signs outside our schools to reflect the new speed limits.”

Denton says the issue of student road safety arose following the amalgamation of Hāwera Intermediate and Hāwera High School into a new School, Te Paepae o Aotea.

“With the new students and temporary classrooms on Bayly Park, the School was essentially dissected by Camberwell Road,” he says.

“Te Paepae o Aotea initially requested that Council temporarily close a section of Camberwell Road to ensure student safety as they cross Camberwell Road, however following community opposition other alternatives such as speed cushions were introduced for a trial period.”