70kmh limit ‘a bit ridiculous’
Mackenzie mayor Graham Smith says dropping the speed limit to 70kmh on the district’s roads would be ‘‘a bit ridiculous.’’
A landmark report by an intergovernmental organisation with 59 member countries - including New Zealand - recommended this week that rural roads that don’t have median barriers should have their speed limits lowered to 70kmh.
Excessive speed is now a major problem is all motorised countries, the report says.
Smith said the Mackenzie District Council have asked for slower speed limits in the district’s towns, but believes reducing the speed limit on the district’s open roads would be an overreaction.
‘‘We are campaigning for speed reductions in some of our towns and we have asked for a slower speed limit in Burkes Pass and Tekapo but not on the open roads.’’
Smith said speed can be an issue on Mackenzie’s open roads, but believes the 100kmh limit should be better enforced before considering reducing the limit.
‘‘I think 70kmh is a bit ridiculous. Speed on our open roads is only an issue if people are going to drive 140kmh but 100kmh is fine.’’
Smith earlier slammed the slow progress on altering the limits at potentially dangerous spots at Tekapo and Burkes Pass.
The council, and residents, want the speed limit in Burkes Pass cut from 80kmh to 60kmh and in the Tekapo township from 60kmh to 50kmh.
For the Mackenzie District, the most common causes of crashes include loss of control on curves and straight roads between intersections in rural areas, and headon crashes.