The country's first weather-activated speed sign system is due to be trialled on State Highway 29 through the Kaimai Ranges sometime in May.
The two-year trial will see 22 electronic speed signs set up between SH29 and Soldiers Road on the Tauranga side, and at the SH28 junction on the Waikato side.
Variable speed signs will be located on a 12km stretch of the Kaimai Ranges showing enforceable lower speeds during bad weather.
The NZ Transport Agency will monitor the stations at the summit and activate the signs when there is bad weather.
The signs will call for speeds to be reduced from 100km/h to 80km/h at Soldiers Road and 60km/h at the junction.
The signs will also be used to reduce speed limits for crashes and road works in the area.
Police will actively enforce the speed limits with the aim of reducing crashes on the stretch of highway.
According to NZTA data, 70 per cent of crashes on the Kaimai Ranges occur in wet weather, with 40 per cent of these caused by drivers travelling too fast for the conditions.
SH29 is reported as a high-volume national strategic route with about 9000 vehicles using the road daily, including 1300 heavy vehicles.
1 comment
WOFTAM
Posted on 01-04-2015 17:11 | By mutley
By NZTA's own figures 70% of 40% equals only 28% of the crashes are "caused" by speed. How does this solution benefit the other 72% of the crashes ? NZTA and the Police are hooked on the subjective view that slower must be safer. Look at how many crashes have been caused recently by driver inattention when travelling at slower highway speeds. Speed limits are not a panacea for the road toll. We have to drive better and not necessarily slower.
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