Speed kills, and in particular, speed kills pedestrians. Reducing urban road speeds from 50 to 30 km/h hugely improves pedestrian survival rates in accidents.
Not only does speed maim and kill more pedestrians, but fast-moving vehicles discourage people from walking. That's especially the case for parents considering whether to let their children walk to school.
That's why Living Streets Aotearoa supported the current Government's speed reduction plans, despite them not being strong enough, and why we strongly oppose National's plans to reverse those speed reductions.
It's also why it's especially important to get in behind current Council plans to reduce speeds, and push for those to be strengthened. These Council speed management plans are currently open for consultation - please submit on those in your area:
Kaikoura (PDF) - closes 9 October 2023.
Timaru - closes 23 October 2023.
Christchurch (great explanatory graphics!) - closes 25 October 2023.
Taranaki: Stratford, New Plymouth and South Taranaki - close 29 October 2023.
Palmerston North - closes 31 October 2023.
If you know of speed management plans currently open for consultation that aren't listed here, please send the details (including the link) to president (at) livingstreets.org.nz so we can add them.