Speed limits lowered
One hundred new cameras will be rolled out across high-risk roads to tackle unsafe speeds around the country.
Associate Transport Minister Julie Anne Genter announced the additional cameras yesterday as well as a broader programme to improve safety around schools.
The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) will decide where the cameras will go and signs will warn motorists to slow down as they enter camera areas.
The Government will also lower the speed limit surrounding schools to a maximum of 40kmh in urban areas and 60kmh in rural areas. Currently, schools and councils have to apply to NZTA to lower limits outside their gates. Only 20 per cent of schools currently have speed limits that align with what was announced yesterday.
Genter said that on busy arterial routes the new limits would operate only during pickup and drop-off periods.
Many parents wanted their children to walk or cycle to school but felt it was not safe, she said.
‘‘Safer speeds around schools are proven to make streets safer, more attractive and more accessible for children to walk and cycle.’’ It had been normal for Kiwi children to walk and cycle to school ‘‘a few decades ago’’ but today most children got to school in the back of a car, she said.
‘‘That is because our streets aren’t safe enough. Our Government wants kids to have the freedom to be independent, to get to school under their own steam whether that is walking, cycling or by scooter.’’
Lower speed limits will begin by mid-2020 and be introduced progressively over the next decade.