The need for lower speeds is obvious
Often people overestimate the time they would lose if they drove at a slower speed. In this case, the lower 80km/h limit will add about four and a half minutes — or about the time it takes to make a cup of coffee — to a trip between Katikati and Bethlehem, compared to the current speed limits.
Afew weeks ago, Iwas driving through the Waihı¯ to mokoroa safety improvement project works at Apata on a Sunday afternoon, travelling at the 50km/h temporary speed limit, whenIwas passed by another vehicle. If you’re at all familiar with the site, you’ll recognisehowdangerous this was. The driver had to exceed the speed limit to pass me, within anarrow site, with very littleroomfor error, that is used by a lot of heavy vehicles, and therewas nowaythe driver had100mof clear road aheadwhenhe started passing, let alonewhenhe finished.
Iwas absolutely blown away.
It is exactly this kind of poor driver behaviour that makes thenewpermanent speed limits from Katikati to Bethlehem, Tauranga, which willcomeinto effect from next Friday (December 11), so important.
Speed increases both the likelihood of crashes and the severity of crash outcomes, so a small change canmakea huge difference.
Often people overestimate the time they would lose if they drove at a slower speed. In this case, the lower80km/ hlimit will add about four and ahalf minutes— or about the time it takes tomakea cup of coffee— to a trip between Katikati and Bethlehem, compared to the current speed limits.
In the 10 years from 2009-2018, 27 people died and 77 people were seriously injured in crashes on this stretch of State Highway 2. I don’t think there aremanyof uswhowould choose a cup of coffee over someone’s life.
In other news, we’re currently undertaking overnight resurfacing works at various locations on SH2 between Katikati and Te Puna. While the works are under waybetween7pmand 5am, the sites will operate under Stop / Go anda 30km/h temporary speed limit. During the day, a temporary speed limit of 50km/h will be in place.
Motorists should expect delays after the reseals have been completed and are advised to allow extra time for their journeys and to avoid travelling during peak hours, where possible.
We’re also undertaking road reconstruction works on SH2 near Woodland Rd, north of Katikati. Workwill be undertaken between7amand 6pmand is expected to be completed mid-December.
Our contractors are working hard to get these works completed ahead of the busy holiday season. Please take care, slowdownand obey all temporary speed limits and trafficmanagement staff and signage through our work sites to help keep everyone safe.