Scott Simpson
MP for Coromandel

26 November 2012

Improved SH2 still a black spot

New figures suggest that safety on the SH2 between Pokeno and Mangatarata is improving.

But Coromandel MP Scott Simpson says work still needs to be done to reduce the death toll on what remains the country’s most lethal stretch of road.

Twenty-eight serious crashes occurred on this section of highway from 2007 to 2011, 12 of which were fatal. This compared with 55 serious crashes, including 18 resulting in death, during the previous five years.

The New Zealand Road Assessment Programme (KiwiRAP) measures over 11,000 kilometers of state highways, assessing crash risks and identifying high-risk roads.

“It’s an improvement and that is certainly welcome. But the reality is that far too many people are still dying on our roads and the SH2 is by far and away the worst problem area,” Mr Simpson said.

“It is worth noting that these figures are only to the end of 2011 which is when the new reduced speed limit area was introduced. I will be very interested to see the next set of statistics, which should indicate if this has had any impact in reducing death and serious injury.

“In the meantime, I can only reiterate the messages coming from the NZTA and the police. Please take care when driving. With the peak summer period almost upon us, we can expect more traffic on the roads so allowing extra time for journeys and staying alert is vital.”

ENDS

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