Fast- track speed limit
Once again there is talk of raising open road speed limits on motorways where it is safe to travel at up to 110km/ h.
The issue has been debated for years and it is past time there was some decisive action from a Government in the last months of its third term.
As motoring enthusiasts, you would expect those of us at to support an increased open road limit. But we agree the higher limit should be applied only where travel at that speed is safe. An example is the tolled section of State Highway One from Orewa to Puhoi. It is obvious the alternative inland road between Picton and Christchurch is not a candidate for the higher limit.
The vast majority of new vehicles coming onto our roads are equipped to travel at the higher speed safely. And cars such as our long- term Mercedes- Benz E 200 sedan even include features to avoid or mitigate injury to pedestrians should they be TONY VERDON involved in an accident.
There is validity to the argument that introducing a higher limit would mean complicating what is a straightforward and consistent 100 km/ h upper speed limit. But motorists are able to cope with variable lower speed limits ( e. g. Ponsonby Rd’s 40km/ h ).
Transport Minister Simon Bridges has brought fresh thinking to the portfolio on issues such as electric vehicles. After years of discussion papers and debate, he should grasp the chance to bring our upper speed limits into a contemporary world.
Speaking of EVs, the AA provides a balanced perspective on their prospects in a special twopage edition of AA Motoring’s Buyers’ Guide, starting on page 27. Stay tuned for more EV news in Driven during coming weeks. ABOUT US Editor Tony Verdon Editor at Large Liz Dobson Contributors Cameron Officer, Colin Smith, Ted Baghurst, Jacqui Madelin, David Kavermann, Matthew Hansen, Bob McMurray, Donna McIntyre Cover design Jennifer Adams Cover photo Supplied Driven advertising Todd Fuller ( 021 986027) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Howmany new cars were sold every hour in April? A8 B 12 C 15 Howmany Kiwis have used Uber? A200,000 B 300,000 C 400,000 Hayden Paddon's new co- driver is from? A Australia B Italy C Great Britain ALister Knobbly was raced by? ASir Jack Brabham B Juan Manuel Fangio C Sir Stirling Moss NZ's least popular new car colour in 2016? APurple B Pink C Cream Next year’s opening round of the TRS will be in? A Pukekohe B Highlands C Ruapuna Top- selling car in Europe during March? A Volkswagen Golf B Ford Fiesta C Toyota Yaris Nissan’s new concept to combat phone distraction? ASignal shield compartment B Dashboard phone display C Full voice control A car park in downtown Mt Maunganui is listed for? A$ 45,500 B $ 62,500 C $ 70,500 Speed record set by a Land Cruiser SUV? A 330km/ h B 350km/ h C 370km/ h