Another Round Of Speed Consultation Up Ahead
One of the big changes in the latest speed management plan, compared to what was previously consulted on, is that the roads surrounding Martinborough Square would remain 50kph.
South Wairarapa District Council is gearing up to re-consult on speed limit changes after the Government's new Land Transport Rule voided its previous consultation.
The draft Speed Management Plan said the plan focused on areas of high concern, including: peri-urban and urban areas with high cycling and pedestrian activity; rural areas with 'high exposure to infrastructure risks' such as drop-offs or narrow seal width; and unsealed roads.
One of the big changes in the latest speed management plan, compared to what was previously consulted on, is that the roads surrounding Martinborough Square would remain 50kph.
The council had wanted to reduce the speed to 30kph but the new rule doesn't allow this.
Dozens of roads currently posted at 100kph were proposed to have speed reduced to 60kph including parts of Humphries Rd, Longwood East Rd, South Featherston Rd, and Underhill Rd.
Some coastal roads would be reduced to 40kph in parts.
A report to South Wairarapa District Council's Strategy Working Committee said the proposed timelines for the six-week consultation period was May to June.
Following the hearings and deliberations, the final plan would be confirmed and submitted to the director of land transport by the end of September.
New speeds would be implemented in the first six months of 2026.
The plan preparation and implementation of the proposed Speed Setting Rule is subsidised by the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) at a rate of 51%.
South Wairarapa District Council has lodged a subsidised funding application for the sum of $435,500.
Variable speed reductions outside schools would be implemented separately and were not required to be re-consulted on.
– LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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