The Matakana App
06 June 2020, 10:33 PM
Auckland Transport are looking into ways to lower speeds along Matakana Valley Road.
Matakana residents have been asking for measures to slow traffic for years, and their calls might finally be answered. The possibility of a twelve-month trial starting next year has been raised, and if proved effective, could potentially be made permanent.
New speed reading signs have been installed in the entrance to Whangateau. Local Residents say the new signs have slowed a lot of drivers down.
Auckland Transport has applied for money from a new $7 million government fund that aims to help councils make towns and streets safer and more people friendly. The Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency Innovating Streets for People pilot fund would fund 90 per cent of the12-month trial to encourage lower speeds through Matakana.
The methods used to reduce speeds have yet to be discussed and would depend on how much funding the government could give Auckland Transport. This decision will be made later this month.
However, the Rodney local board have already allocated their limited transport budget; this new project would require 10 per cent funding from them as well as permanent upkeep. Board members voted to support AT’s application for Matakana Valley Road.
Matakana Valley Road has been the site of many serious crashes over the last few years, so hopefully lower speeds would minimise the number and severity of accidents.