The reduced speed limit now in place for much of SH5 between Taupo and Napier appears to be a forerunner to further NZTA “Safer Limits” proposals around the country.

In late-January Waka Kotahi NZTA proposed reduced speed limits for another major North Island highway.

NZTA says that following engagement with the local community during mid-2021, it proposes to reduce the speed limits on State Highway 30 between Tikitere and Whakatane.

The section of highway being reviewed runs from the junction of SH33 and SH30 (near Rotorua Airport) to the built-up area entering Whakatane. The proposal affects almost 75km of the highway which travels past Lake Rotoiti, Lake Rotoehu, Lake Rotoma and through the townships of Te Teko and Awakeri.

Under the proposal there are five sections of SH30 currently posted with a 100km/h limit that will reduce to 80km/h. Three sections will reduce from 100km/h to 60km/h and three more, where 80km/h limits currently apply, will also be reduced to 60km/h. 

The new 60km/h sections include where the highway runs alongside Lake Rotoiti and Lake Rotoma.

NZTA describes SH30 as a high-risk road and is proposing the selection of lowered speed limits in an effort to save lives and prevent serious injuries on the highway.

“We are proposing lower speed limits to make the road safer for everyone who uses it,” says NZTA Director of Regional Relationships David Speirs.

“Our analysis shows that the current range of speed limits on SH30 are not safe and appropriate for the road. Safe speeds save lives. When speeds are safe for the road, simple mistakes are less likely to end in tragedy,” says Mr Speirs.

“SH30 caters to a wide range of competing travel needs including tourists, cyclists and school children. In addition, crashes on this route can cause extensive delays and long detours if there are road closures.

“The deaths and serious injuries along this stretch of road have caused immeasurable grief and suffering for families and communities. It is more important that everyone gets to their destination safely, rather than trying to get there quickly,” says Speirs. 

Waka Kotahi sought feedback from stakeholders and the public about the proposal, but groups only had from January 25 till February 18 to make formal submissions on the proposed changes.

Mr Speirs says this feedback is being considered by Waka Kotahi before it makes decisions on these proposed speed limit changes. 

In the 10 years from 2010 to 2019, NZTA says 10 people lost their lives and 73 were seriously injured in crashes on this section of SH30. Most of these crashes have been head-on, run off road and speed related.