Cut speed limit, say residents
A group of Golden Bay residents wants the speed limit reduced to 80kmh permanently along State Highway 60 between Paines Ford bridge and Takaka.
Members of the Paines Ford 80s working group believe the 100kmh speed limit – in place for most of the year – is too fast. Their concerns about safety have drawn some high-level attention, with Associate Transport Minister Julie Anne Genter asking the NZ Transport Agency to investigate options to accelerate a planned speed management review for that stretch of highway.
NZTA says it is aiming to undertake community engagement on a speed review before the end of the year.
Group member Linda O’Connor said the confirmation of a speed review was good news.
A reduced limit of 80kmh already applies from December 20 to January 31 on part of that stretch of road – from about 30m southwest of Paines Ford bridge to about 60m north of Rameka Creek bridge, not far beyond the intersection of the highway with Dodson and Central Takaka roads.
However, the group wants an 80kmh limit to apply all year round and on a longer stretch of the highway.
‘‘Traffic, due to recreation and tourism, has markedly increased,’’ O’Connor said.
The Paines Ford Scenic Reserve was popular with rock climbers and swimmers, she said. Many people parked on the side of the highway while they took a dip in the Takaka River at ‘‘probably the most popular swimming hole in Golden Bay’’.
Resident Andrew Yuill, who lives in the area, said there had been crashes and near-misses at the site. He often heard engine brakes or air horns sounding as truck drivers took action to avoid other vehicles and people around the reserve.
O’Connor said land use changes over the past few years between Paines Ford and Takaka,
including the Golden Bay Community Health centre and the recreation centre, added to concerns about the speed limit.
‘‘All of these are accessed from SH60 with a speed limit of 100kmh. The elderly and children are particularly vulnerable, trying to cross the road to get to [Central Takaka] school, get into the hospital, the recreation centre – all from a road with limited visibility.’’
NZTA top of the south system manager Andrew James said the agency was aware of ‘‘strong community support’’ for a review of the speed limit. ‘‘Based on this support, we have already conducted a technical assessment of this stretch of road, and our intention is to undertake the community engagement process before the end of this year.’’
O’Connor said the group would ask for the seasonal speed of 80kmh to be brought forward ‘‘to ensure our safety until a permanent reduction is achieved’’. However, James said this was not legally possible.
The process, including the technical review, engagement and consultation, could take up to six months, he said.