Have your say on speed limits for state highways

The response to Waka Kotahi NZTA’s invitation to comment on state highway speed limits in Northland had been very gratifying, according to spokesman Steve Mutton, but there was still time to contribute.

Engagement would officially close at 11pm on Monday, after which all the feedback received would be collated to help determine how state highway safety could be improved in the region. That could include speed limit changes, which would then be formally consulted on.

“We know we need to take action on several fronts, from speed limits to encouraging safer choices about how people use our roads and improving the safety of roads and vehicles. It’s not a matter of choosing one over the other, but how they all are part of a system to help keep people safe,” Mutton said. Even when speed wasn’t the direct cause of a crash, it was the single biggest factor that determined whether someone was killed, seriously injured or walked away unharmed. Nine highways in Northland were being reviewed, but no one knew those roads like those who drove on or lived along with them. “We’d like people to tell us about places that are hard to get to or from, how safe they feel crossing the highway or letting their children walk or cycle to school in certain areas, and if there are any other sites or information that we need to be especially aware of.”

To comment, or for further information, go to nzta.govt. nz/projects/northlandauckland-speed-reviews/