‘Relieved’ to have say regarding road speeds

TAPANUI residents say they are ‘‘relieved and excited’’ there may finally be action to reduce road speeds entering the town, more than two years after the issue was first raised.

In September 2017, Senior Constable John Mawhinney, of Tapanui, told the Otago Daily Times a 50kmh speed sign for traffic entering the town from Gore was in the wrong place.

He said it should be moved 200m south on State Highway 90, to allow traffic to slow before it reached residential properties and businesses near the present sign.

Now residents will have a chance to be heard on the matter, after the NZ Transport Agency announced the site would be reviewed during a public speed review consultation starting this week.

A second site at Rosebank, to Balclutha’s south, will also form part of the agency’s review.

West Otago Community Board chairwoman Barbara Hanna said she and the many residents who had expressed concerns were ‘‘relieved and excited’’ to have a say.

‘‘Going on what’s taken place so far, and feedback I’ve received, I’d say the community will be very supportive of the proposal to move the sign south.

‘‘Now we need people to take this opportunity and make a submission to NZTA.’’

She said a temporary measure installed by the agency a fortnight ago had already shown the potential for safety improvements.

‘‘We’ve now got temporary 50kmh advance warning signs on the approach to the crest where the actual signs are placed.

‘‘The difference is huge. It allows drivers to begin to slow before they hit town, so they’re not still travelling at 100kmh past homes and businesses.’’

NZTA regional relationships director Jim Harland said he was aware of residents’ longstanding concerns.

‘‘Local people have said the existing 100kmh speed limit is simply too fast.

‘‘While our assessments support the proposed change, feedback from councils, local residents and other key stakeholders is critical to ensuring the most appropriate and safest speeds become permanent.’’

The Balclutha proposal would move the existing 80kmh zone on State Highway 1 an additional 450m south, just past the new Rosebank Industrial Park.

Submissions can be made on both proposals until November 29, at nzta.nz/otagospeedreviews.

❛ The difference is huge. It allows drivers to begin to slow before they hit town, so they’re not still travelling at 100kmh past homes and businesses