Have Your Say on Speed Limits in South Taranaki
South Taranaki residents are being urged to have their say on road speeds across the District as part of the Council’s 2024 – 2034 Speed Management Plan.
South Taranaki Mayor Phil Nixon says Waka Kotahi/NZ Transport Agency requires councils, as road controlling authorities, to develop 10-year speed management plans every three years and that it’s important people have their say on what’s being proposed in South Taranaki.
“Over the last 12 months we reduced speed limits outside our schools. Over the next three years we’d like to focus on delivering safe and appropriate speed limits around marae, the Hāwera CBD, beach communities and on some of our 70km per hour roads,” he says.
Mayor Nixon says speed management is about achieving safe and appropriate speeds on roads that reflect the road’s function, design, safety and use.
“As a Road Controlling Authority we want to everyone to be able to get home safely every time and to feel comfortable choosing from a range of travel options be it driving, walking, biking or scootering,” he says.
Because the Plan has a 10-year horizon, the Council is also required to consider reducing speed limits beyond 2027.
While our Speed Management Plan will be reviewed before 2027, we are still required to consider reducing speeds limits on our rural roads and townships over the 10-year period. So, to start the conversation we are also asking people what they think of speeds on some of our rural roads and in our townships post 2027 too,” says Nixon.
“The proposals to lower some speed limits across the district will have an impact on everybody, from our residents to our organisations and businesses. So, it’s vital that we get the balance right between safety and road user convenience, and I encourage everyone in South Taranaki to take part in the discussion,” says Nixon.
The easiest way to have your say is to complete the online form hereor drop into any of the Council’s seven LibraryPlus centres or the Hawera administration building to complete a hard copy form.
Consultation runs until 29 October 2023.
Key proposals 2024 - 2027
- 60km/h outside all marae
- 30km/h in Hāwera CBD
- 30km/h in beach communities like Ōhawe/Waiinu
- Reducing 70km/h roads to 60km/h
