Key Takeaways
- The Hauraki District Council supports the changes to speed limits on certain stretches of road in the area.
- The speed limit changes aim to improve safety and navigation, particularly in areas with high traffic and tricky road conditions.
- The new speed limits will be enforced once new signage is installed, and more information can be found on the NZTA website.
- The affected stretches of road include SH2 Karangahake, SH2 Waihī/Parry Palm Avenue, and others, with speed limits dropping from 80km/h, 70km/h, and 100km/h to 60km/h.
Introduction to Speed Limit Changes
The Hauraki District Council has expressed its support for the recent changes to speed limits on certain stretches of road in the area. According to Corkill, the council is pleased with the adjustments, which aim to improve safety and navigation for drivers. One of the main areas of concern was the Refuse Transfer Station on Dean Crescent, which attracts significant local traffic and requires drivers to exit onto a 100km/h highway. The council recognized the need for a lower speed limit to help people navigate this tricky intersection and access car parks and cross the road safely.
Public Consultation and Feedback
The speed limit changes were made after six weeks of public consultation with partners, stakeholders, and the community from August to October this year. During this period, the community was invited to provide feedback and suggestions on the proposed changes. While 57% of Karangahake submitters expressed concerns about the change of speed, many agreed that a lower speed limit would be beneficial in making the road safer and easier to navigate. The feedback from the community was taken into consideration, and the Director of Land Transport has certified the new speed limits.
Affected Stretches of Road
The new speed limits will affect several stretches of road in the area, including SH2 Karangahake, SH2 Waihī/Parry Palm Avenue, and others. Specifically, the speed limit on SH2 Karangahake, near Albert Street to west of Waitawheta Road, will drop from 80km/h to 60km/h. Similarly, the speed limit on SH2 Waihī/Parry Palm Avenue, near the SH2/Martin Road/Baber Street intersection to near Orchard Road, will drop from 70km/h to 60km/h. Additionally, the speed limit on SH2 Waihī/Parry Palm Avenue, near Orchard Road to near Dean Crescent, will drop from 100km/h to 60km/h. These changes aim to reduce the risk of accidents and improve safety for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.
Enforcement and Implementation
The enforcement of the new speed limits will become legal once the new signage is installed. The NZTA has announced that the signage will be installed as soon as possible, and drivers can expect to see the new speed limits enforced shortly after. In the meantime, drivers are advised to be aware of the upcoming changes and to adjust their speed accordingly. The NZTA has also made available more information on the permanent speed limits and consultation summaries on their website, which can be accessed by the public.
Conclusion and Next Steps
In conclusion, the changes to speed limits on certain stretches of road in the Hauraki District aim to improve safety and navigation for drivers. The Hauraki District Council and the NZTA have worked together to implement these changes, which have been certified by the Director of Land Transport. With the new signage to be installed soon, drivers can expect to see the new speed limits enforced, and the community can look forward to safer and more accessible roads. As the NZTA continues to work on implementing the new speed limits, drivers are reminded to stay informed and to follow the new speed limits to ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road.
