The new TCC Council speed limit cuts, in accordance with Council staff recommendations, to 30 kph in the northern area of the Mount is lunacy. Rather, TCC should increase the speed on Marine Parade to 40 kph and set the speed limit for all streets north of Banks Avenue at 40 kph. Why didn't TCC trial this first or ask for submissions? Incidentally, has anyone in Council tried driving at 30 kph?
Result is we have a bad by-law which will be seen as such by reasonable motorists. Just as the reduction to 50 kph speed limit outside Mount College was inane, knee-jerking PC stuff, much the same as the case with Cameron Road in the vicinity of the Racecourse. In reality, this achieves nothing other than frustration and the danger involved is perceived rather than a reality.
The whole thrust of what is proposed is also against the Land Transport Rule Setting of Speed Limits 2003 and as such, any by-laws passed could in all probability be unlawful anyway.
Some ‘fun police' jackass will no doubt be sitting in the shadows if the Mount with a speed camera collecting revenue!
I strongly endorse the Mount Progressive Association observation that the swathe of speed cuts is overkill and that in my view is an understatement. Reasonable drivers tend to drive to the traffic and weather conditions while the hoons could not care less what speed limits are enacted as they will never obey them.
The reduction in the Oropi Road speed to 80 kph is the only rational speed limit change made by TCC.
R Paterson, Matapihi.