Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is proposing to lower the speed limit on State Highway 30.

Formal consultation is now open on the proposal following a review of speed limits along SH30, between Tikitere and Whakatāne.

'We are proposing lower speed limits to make the road safer for everyone who uses it,” says regional relationships director 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.

'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.”

Tom Macky, from Lake Rotoiti Community Association, is keen to see SH30 made safer.

"Our Lake Rotoiti community has given widespread support for this opportunity to make dangerous sections of our roads safer, as population growth, traffic density and crash rates steadily increase,” says Tom.

'It is an incredibly important step to reduce preventable tragedies just waiting to happen.”

In the 10 years from 2010 to 2019, 10 people lost their lives and 73 were seriously injured in crashes on this section of SH30.

Safe speeds are critical to improving road safety, but it is just one part of our road safety strategy. Decisions on speed and infrastructure for this stretch of road are being made hand-in-hand.

Waka Kotahi is now formally asking for feedback from stakeholders and the public about proposals to change the speed limits along SH30 between Tikitere and Whakatāne.

David says this feedback will be considered by Waka Kotahi before it makes decisions on these proposed speed limit changes.

The consultation period provides a month to give feedback on the proposed speed limit changes.

The formal consultation period runs until 18 February 2022.

Formal consultation

Changing a speed limit is a legal process, so this step is when we show people a detailed proposed speed limit, which has been developed using the technical assessment and feedback from the engagement stage.

During this consultation stage, NZTA asks the public and stakeholders for any additional information that might have an impact on the final decision.

What NZTA is proposing

See map here

How can I have my say?

You can make a submission on the proposed changes by:

• downloading and completing the electronic feedback form from www.nzta.govt.nz/bop-speed-review
• sending us an email bayofplenty.speed.reviews@nzta.govt.nz
• picking up a submission form from a Whakatāne District Council office or library.

Feedback closes 5pm on Friday 18 February 2022.

More information about speed reviews:

• Speed management background
• Speed review locations
• How speed contributes to the seriousness of crashes in New Zealand
• Deciding Speed Limits – The process

Plan ahead for a safe, enjoyable journey. Keep up to date with:

• COVID-19 services update: nzta.govt.nz/COVID19
• Traffic updates: journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic
• Facebook: facebook.com/NZTAWaikatoBoP
• Twitter: twitter.com/WakaKotahiWaiBP
• Journey planner: journeys.nzta.govt.nz
• Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)