Speedsters welcome

Editor,

This week’s Kapi-Mana News [July 17] carried an article on Paekakariki Hill Rd and Grays Rd and PCC’s proposal to reduce the speed limit to 60kmh.

A lower speed limit, providing it’s enforced, will reduce the numbers and severity of accidents and as an added bonus, will reduce wear and tear on the road surface (good for ratepayers).

In respect to travelling times, assuming a vehicle can travel the entire length of the road at 80kmh, it will add a little over four minutes to a trip. In respect to Stephen Wickens, quoted in the article, who lives 12km from Pauatahanui, it will add three minutes to his journey.

However, when you take into consideration road width, road condition and the radius of each corner, it is not possible to travel the entire length of the road at 80kmh, or even 60kmh in places.

It is only possible to travel at a constant 80kmh if you drive the road like a racetrack, choosing a line through each corner that uses the biggest radius.

But that means using the full width of the road, in both lanes. Fine if you have no regard for pedestrians, horse riders, cyclists and oncoming traffic. Get a life, Stephen. Catch the five sets of lights badly on Mana Esplanade, and a buildup of traffic at both roundabouts and you can easily spend three minutes travelling at zero kmh.

In Greater Wellington, we have four great car race clubs, that share and promote each other’s events. For a few dollars, indulge your need for speed on private property, with experienced people in attendance. You don’t need a road licence for many events and those as young as 12 years can enter (some conditions apply).

ANDREW WELLUM, Camborne.