No relief in sight for Lily Pond Lane

Agency spokesman said the open road sign was put up at Lily Pond Lane, and similar side roads such as Retreat Rd and Puketutu Drive, when the speed limit on the highway was reduced to 80km/h in September.

“Before this change there was no signage on Lily Pond Lane indicating the legal speed limit.

“As a result of changing the speed limit on the highway, Waka Kotahi has put up a derestriction sign by the state highway intersection with Lily Pond Lane to show motorists they have left the 80km/h zone that applies to the highway. The speed limit on the side roads has not changed.

“A derestriction sign, a black diagonal line on a white background, indicates an open road speed limit of 100km/h, and is usually found on rural roads. Drivers are advised the speed limit is not a target, and they should drive safely and to the conditions.”

The authority responsible for setting speed limits on local roads is the Far North District Council, which is reviewing all local speed limits.

Last year the council reviewed the limits on about 70 roads in the Ō kaihau-Kaeo-Waimate North area. In general they were reduced from 100km/h to 80km/h (sealed) and 60km/h or lower (unsealed, narrow and/or around schools).

The next areas for review are Kaitaia-Awaroa and KohukohuBroadwood. The Bay of Islands is last on the list.

A council spokesman said Covid19 had disrupted the project, so it was not known when the Bay would get its turn.