The speed limits on some state highways, including SH1 from the Auckland boundary to Warkworth, might be lowered in an effort to curb rising road fatalities.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency are seeking feedback from communities in Northland and north-west Auckland about the current speeds on their state highways. They wish to hear concerns and tap into local knowledge about how the roads are used.

The public engagement period will run from May 3 to June 14, 2021.

14 people have died on Northland roads so far this year, one more than at the same stage of 2020.

“Improving safety on New Zealand roads is a top priority for Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency. Waka Kotahi is committed to Vision Zero, which aspires to a New Zealand where no-one is killed or seriously injured on our roads. We’re working to deliver a safe system which acknowledges that even responsible people can make mistakes on our roads, and that these mistakes should not cost us our lives,” says Waka Kotahi Director of Regional Relationships, Steve Mutton.

“To reduce deaths and serious injuries on our roads we need to take action on several fronts, from speed limits to driver education to improving the safety of roads and vehicles. It’s not a matter of choosing one over the other, but even when speed isn’t the direct cause of a crash, it is the single biggest factor that determines whether a person is killed, seriously injured or walks away from a crash unharmed.”

This year, nine state highways in Northland and two state highways in Auckland are being reviewed after being identified as roads where safer speed limits could make a big difference in preventing deaths and serious injuries.

“We’d like people to tell us about places that are hard to get to or from, how safe they feel crossing the highway or letting their children walk or cycle to school in certain areas, and if there are any other sites or information that we need to be especially aware of,” says Mr. Mutton.

This information will feed into the technical reviews of these stretches of state highway to help Waka Kotahi determine where speed limit changes could improve safety, and help shape any new proposed speed limits, which will then be formally consulted on.

The speed of a vehicle at impact is the single biggest factor that determines if you or someone you love, dies, or survives a crash. You’re around 30% more likely to be in a serious injury crash at 90 km/hr than at 80 km/hr.

Formal consultation about any proposed speed limit changes will be the next part of the process, after engagement feedback is considered.

You can find out more and share your views by visiting http://nzta.govt.nz/northlandspeed, mailing [email protected] or speaking to the team at one of our pop-up events. A pop-up event for our area is scheduled at Warkworth Countdown, Friday 21 May, 4.00 p.m. – 6.00 p.m.

State highways being reviewed:

• SH1 Pukenui to Kaitāia
• SH10 Pākaraka tō Taipā
• SH11 Kawakawa to Paihia
• SH1 Kawakawa to Whangarei
• SH15 between SH1 (north of Kaikohe) and Otaika
• SH12 Ōmāpere to Kaikohe
• SH14 Dargaville to Whangārei
• SH12 Brynderwyn to Ōmāpere
• SH1 Whangārei to Auckland boundary
• SH1 Auckland boundary to Warkworth
• SH16 Wellsford to Waimauku