Rural Tasman highways drop speed limits to 80km/h

1News

4 days ago

Several key rural roads across Tasman have had their speed limits dropped.
Lowering speed limits around the district has been difficult for Tasman after its regional speed plan was largely invalidated by a Government rule change.
However, as of Monday, the Motueka Valley and Moutere highways, as well as Dovedale, Edwards, and Neudorf roads, have fallen from 100km/h to 80.
In Richmond, McShane Rd has also lowered to 50km/h from 80, while Lower Queen St immediately northeast of McShane saw sections drop to 50 and 60km/h from 60 and 80km/h.
These reductions come after speed limits were reduced and variable limits installed around several schools in late July and earlier in August.
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The lower speed limits are expected to reduce the number of crashes in the district, especially on the two local highways, which are some of Tasman's most crash-prone roads.
Reducing speeds on targeted roads around the district has been a challenge for the council after the Government rule change largely invalidated its original speed plan, forcing it to re-consult on the changes and frustrating many local communities who have been wanting the changes for years.
'It's great to see that these important changes are finally in place to help keep our communities safer,' said Jane Murray, Tasman District Council's transportation planning advisor.
She likened road safety to Swiss cheese.
'Each safety measure – like road design, vehicle safety, or driver behaviour – acts as a layer of protection, but no layer has no holes. Crashes happen when the holes in the layers line up,' she said.
'Safe speeds are a vital layer. They help prevent crashes and reduce harm when crashes happen. Even if other safety measures fail, safe speeds can save lives.'
Drivers should watch out for the new speed signs, especially near schools where 30km/h speeds now applied during pick-up and drop-off times, she added.
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About 300 signs needed to be replaced for the speed limit reductions.
While the council aimed to align the changing signs with the official implementation dates, some were put up earlier which led to confusion and anger from some residents.
'We've been working with police on this and appreciate everyone's patience,' Murray said.
Senior sergeant Christopher Brooks, Tasman District road policing manager, warns motorists to drive to the conditions and take particular care of the changed speed limits.
'The posted speed limit is just that – a limit – not a target,' he said.
'Even a small change in speed makes a big difference to injury severity in a crash – for you and everyone else involved. Motorists should expect to be stopped by Police anytime, anywhere.'
Brooks added that there was an increase in the number of roadworks happening locally after the recent severe weather and reminded drivers to follow directions and respect workers.
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'Reduced speed limits are a warning that there is a hazard on or near the road approaching. Whether you're heading out of town or staying local, we want you to get to your destination safely.'
The council will be considering a second phase of speed limit reductions on Thursday, which would affect narrow or winding unsealed roads, rural residential and peri-urban streets, urban roads without footpaths, along with other specific roads around the district.
If approved, those changes will be made between 2026 and 2028.
Local Democracy Reporting is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air