People have until February 17 to have their say on proposed speed limit reviews in the Bay of Plenty and Waikato.
The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) is proposing seven intersection speed zones (ISZs) for the Waikato and Bay of Plenty, changing the speed limit in the Okere Falls area near Lake Rotoiti, and setting speed limits at two new interchanges on the Tauranga Eastern Link toll road.
NZTA Waikato/Bay of Plenty regional relations director Andrew Corkill said an open call was essential to the vetting process.
“These changes have been proposed thanks to feedback from the community, and the suggestions we receive will play a key role in shaping the decisions that are made as a result. The more feedback we get from the public, the better informed we will be,” he said.
NZTA said social media comments and email messages will not be included as submissions, so participants must complete a short online survey to formally provide feedback.
A link to the survey is available on the NZTA website. nzta.govt.nz/new-speed-reviews-under-the-2024-rule
An ISZ temporarily reduces traffic speed to 60 km/h at major road intersections when traffic approaches or turns into service road intersections.
It detects approaching vehicles and activates electronic variable speed limit signs, displaying the minimum speed limit on state highways.
NZTA said it has proven to be significantly effective in reducing the number of collisions at the intersections where it has been installed.
For more information, please visit the NZTA website. ISZ, State highway speed control and legal procedures for changing speed limits. Land Transportation Regulations: Setting speed limits in 2024including necessary consultations, technical evaluations, and community support.
All submissions submitted by 5pm on February 17 will be considered alongside technical evaluation, safety data and cost-benefit analysis before a final decision is made.
A summary of feedback from the consultation will be posted on the NZTA website after the consultation period ends.