Recently, NZTA consulted the public on proposals to raise speed limits on various stretches of state highways around the country. On 16 of those stretches which are classified as urban connectors they are continuing the consultation until 14th of May on whether they should keep the speed limit lower, at the level it is now. The sections of road concerned are in Northland (4), Waikato (3), Bay of Plenty (3) , Gisborne (2), Manawatu-Whanganui (1), Top of the South Island (2) and Canterbury (1).
The consultation page is here. The page leads to a survey in which you can comment on as many sections of road as you wish.
NZTA is asking for:
- some information to identify you
- what your connection is to the section of road you are commenting on
- whether you think the proposal will have positive, negative, no or both positive and negative impacts. It then asks about what positive or negative impacts and gives an option of ticking 'other' which leads to a box where you can write what other impacts it will have. We suggest you tick the 'other' box and if any of the following apply that you type them into it:
- help to limit crashes on a section of road that doesn't have separation of traffic going in opposite directions by wire or other barrier
- make it safer for people on the side of a section of road that lacks roadside barriers
- decrease probability of a crash on a narrow stretch of road
- make a narrow bridge safer
- calm traffic and make a twisty road safer
- benefit pedestrians or cyclists or horse riders, including children
- would enable people to more safely look at spectacular scenery or interesting sight along the stretch of road
- would make it easier to get out of, and turn into, side roads safely
- make it safer for disabled or elderly people who use the road or have to cross it
- make it easier to cross the road.
NZTA did detailed reviews of these sections of road before lowering the speed limits on them to make them safer, but is now having to seek public support for the previous changes it made. It's really important to add your voice to those of us supporting safer roads so please fill out the survey mentioned above and get as many other people to do so as well. We know that numbers count in this.