Speed bumps to boost safety
Drivers’ high speeds on busier Te Mata Peak Rd an escalating worry
After years of public concerns, six speed bumps are being installed to help improve safety on the upper part of Te Mata Peak Rd. Work on installing the speed cushions started on Monday, August 15, and over the next few days, from 6am to 5pm, the road will be closed to vehicles above Peak House, but still open to pedestrians.
Peak House will remain open to the public.
Speed cushions are being introduced as a safety measure because of public concerns raised with Hastings District Council about crashes and near-miss incidents over several years on the increasingly busy road.
As one of the actions identified as part of the development of the Te Mata Peak Road corridor, management plan to place speed cushions on the 1.3 kilometre section of road from above the Peak House eatery to just below the summit.
The bumps will be positioned along road areas used by a mix of pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles.
They will also be placed on long straights where there is a sense of “openness” for the motorist.
Te Mata Park Trust manager Emma Buttle explained the stretch of the road up to Te Mata Peak has been a concern for some time.
And she went on to say that park users’ safety is a top priority for trustees.
“It’s great to see measures being taken to improve its safety — this road is getting busier, and it’s challenging to navigate.”
With so many people walking and biking along Te Mata Peak Rd, the high speeds of some drivers are very worrying, Buttle said.
“We always advise people to take care, and this will help serve as a reminder to drive slowly and carefully.”