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Council to consider public input into speed limit changes
April 2nd, 2014
Council to consider further public input into speed limit changes
Hastings District Council is to consider calling for further public submissions on the speed limit changes which have been implemented on roads around the Hastings District.
Public consultation on the changes to speed limits on non-urban roads across the Heretaunga Plains was begun in late 2013 and the changes were implemented on Monday March 17th 2014.The changes included a reduction in the speed limit from 100km/h to 80km/h on many roads to help improve safety.
Mayor Lawrence Yule says “While reaction to the changes has generally been positive since the speed limit changes came into effect, there has been some negative reaction from road users. In particular, there have been some questions in relation to changes on specific roads. In response to these concerns, Council will consider offering the public a further opportunity to air their views with another round of consultation.”
Lawrence Yule says “During this consultation process, Council is also likely to look at the implementation of the changes in relation to the wider speed limit setting process.”
“Council made the decision to lower the speed limits on our roads on the Heretaunga Plains for all the right reasons. Many individuals and organisations have called for the speed limits to be lowered and our own statistics suggested that this move would have a major effect on lessening the number of accidents on these roads.”
“Since the implementation of the changes, Council has received a number of phone calls and letters where people have expressed their concerns about the new speed limit on specific roads. Council will consider allowing further public input on the new speed limits in the context of an update of the wider speed limit and by law setting process.”
The formal part of the process which would allow a new round of consultation on the speed limits is likely to commence at a Council meeting in May.
The speed limits will remain as they were set on March 17th until the consultation process is completed and any decisions to come from that are formalised.
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