For many years now, people in the community, with the support of the local board, have been advocating for safer speeds on our roads. Being essentially an “open rural road”, the default limit across the island has always 100km/h, apart from near our two marae (where limits of 30- 40km were put in place in 2022).
Now, some of you may say that’s ideal – no rules, no limits; all up to our discretion. But it does mean our roads aren’t as safe as they could be.
Data collected outside our three schools during a 7-day period in June, for example, found people driving near our tamariki’s places of learning at anywhere from 70 to NINETY kilometres an hour. This leaves both staff and parents on edge.
As an example of other locations, just past the Burga Shak (heading north), 190 cars were recorded going over 70 km/hr, with 37 travelling over 80 km/hr.
So last week, new limits were signed off for Aotea.
60km/h will be the new base speed limit on all our roads, with a 40 km/h limit in “high pedestrian activity” areas, including Tryphena, Claris, Medlands, Okupu, Okiwi, Fitzroy and Whangaparapara. The changes will come into effect before the end of November.
Local Board chair Izzy Fordham: “Lower speeds through our villages will make it safer for everyone, including pedestrians and those accessing local businesses.”
Board member and transport lead Patrick O’Shea: “The roads got sealed, the fleet got larger, and the cars got faster. And the island changed pace. Even if you are against slowing down, I hope that this initiative will make you think ‘why am I in such a rush?’ And to those cruising around on island time, you shouldn’t notice a thing. We hope to keep people safe and prevent tragedy within our small community.”
Further details of exactly what speeds will apply where will be released in due course.
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