People have until February 17 to have their say on proposed speed limit reviews in the Bay of Plenty and Waikato.

NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) proposes seven intersection speed zones (ISZs) in Waikato and the Bay of Plenty, change a speed limit in the Ōkere Falls area near Lake Rotoiti, and set speed limits at two new interchanges on the Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Rd.

NZTA Waikato/Bay of Plenty regional relationships director Andrew Corkill said public submissions were essential to the review process.

“These changes were being proposed thanks to community feedback, and the submissions we receive play an integral role in shaping the resulting decisions made. The more feedback we get from members of the public, the better informed we’ll be,” he said.

Comments on social media and emailed messages will not be included as submissions, so people must complete a short online survey to officially send their feedback, NZTA said.

Links to the surveys were available on the NZTA website: nzta.govt.nz/new-speed-reviews-under-the-2024-rule

ISZs temporarily slow traffic to 60km/h at intersections on major roads when traffic was approaching or turning at a side-road intersection.

They detect when a vehicle was approaching and activate an electronic variable speed limit sign to display the lower speed limit on the state highway.

NZTA said their effectiveness has proved significant in bringing down the number of crashes at intersections they’ve been installed at.

More information can be found on the NZTA website about ISZs, state highway speed management and the legal process for altering speed limits under the Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2024, including the required consultation, technical assessment and community support.

All submissions made before 5pm, February 17, would be considered alongside technical assessments, safety data and cost-benefit analysis before a final decision is made.

A summary of consultation feedback would be published on the NZTA website after the consultation period.