Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Local Govt | National News Video | Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Search

 

Safer speed limit for Waitomo and Hangatiki


28 September 2016 | WAIKATO & BAY OF PLENTY


Safer speed limit for Waitomo and Hangatiki

Recent road and roadside safety improvements on State Highway 37 in the Waitomo district will be enhanced by an 80km/h speed limit.

The new speed limit, which takes effect on Wednesday (28 September), will be introduced on SH37 from the intersection with SH3 to Waitomo Village, and on SH3 at the approaches to and through the roundabout at Hangatiki.

The reduced speed limit complements the $1.5 million of targeted safety improvements which have recently been completed as part of the Government’s Safer Roads and Roadsides Programme.

Waikato Highway Manager Niclas Johansson says a reduction in speed limit is expected to reduce deaths and serious injuries along what is one of the 90 most high risk sections of rural roads in the country.

“Reducing risk on these roads has been a two-pronged approach with both improvements to the roads and roadsides themselves, as well as a lowered speed limit.

“This stretch of highway has challenging topography, including curves, and is busy with both visitor and local traffic. The reduction in speed reduces the likelihood of a crash due to loss of control, as well as reducing the severity of any impact if a crash does happen.

“Our consultation with the community and key organisations showed support for a reduction in speed limit, with 80km/h seen as a good compromise between visiting drivers who may be unfamiliar with the roads and driving more conservatively, and locals driving faster because they are used to the road,” Mr Johansson says.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

The Transport Agency uses a Safe System approach to road safety that maintains while mistakes are inevitable, deaths and serious injuries are not.

Based on the Safe System approach the reduction in speed in this area would significantly help reduce deaths and serious injuries because the likelihood of a loss of control crash is reduced and the severity of impact is lower if a crash does occur.

ends

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines



Gordon Campbell: On Dune 2, And Images Of Islam


Depictions of Islam in Western popular culture have rarely been positive, even before 9/11. Five years on from the mosque shootings, this is one of the cultural headwinds that the Muslim community has to battle against. Whatever messages of tolerance and inclusion are offered in daylight, much of our culture tends to be hostile to Islam when we’re sitting in the dark, with popcorn.
Any number of movie examples come to mind, beginning with Rudolf Valentino’s role (over a century ago) as the romantic Arab hero in The Sheik...
More


 
 


Government: One-stop Shop Major Projects On The Fast Track

The Coalition Government’s new one-stop-shop fast track consenting regime for regional and national projects of significance will cut red tape and make it easier for New Zealand to build the infrastructure and major projects needed to get the country moving again... More

ALSO:


Government: GPS 2024: Over $20 Billion To Get Transport Back On Track
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has released the draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) on Land Transport, outlining the Coalition Government’s plan to build and maintain a transport system that enables people to get to where they need to go quickly and safely... More

ALSO:

Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.