Latest news with #LandTransportRule
Scoop
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Scoop
Speed Limit To Stay At 60 km/h On Cobham Drive
The speed limit on Cobham Drive will remain at 60km/h, Hamilton City Council and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) have determined. At its meeting yesterday (26 June 2025) Council voted to keep the lower speed limit on a section of Cobham Drive, between the intersection of Normandy Avenue and Tristram Street. This change was supported by NZTA. Last week (19 June 2025), NZTA announced it would also retain the 60km/h speed limit on State Highway 1C/Cobham Drive recognising the safety benefits, consistency of the network, alignment to local roads, and positive key stakeholder feedback. Acting Operate and Maintain Unit Director Gordon Naidoo said this decision was a good one, to create a safer environment for one of the city's busiest roads. 'Cobham Drive is a key link for both Hamilton residents and those travelling through the city on the State Highway network. We've seen the benefits of a slower speed over the past few years in terms of crash numbers and this decision will support that to continue.' An average of 23,000 vehicles travel the Hamilton section of Cobham Drive every day. Data shows a 73% decrease in crashes since the speed limit was lowered in June 2023. Council's initial speed limit reduction from 80km/h to 60km/h was approved in 2023 following consultation as part of the Hamilton City 2023 Speed Management Plan. However, Government's new speed limit rules (Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2024) determined the speed limit must return to 80km/h by 30 June 2025 unless Council determined otherwise following community consultation. In line with requirements of the Rule, public consultation feedback was considered alongside technical, safety and cost benefit analysis. The decision to keep the speed limit at 60km/h means no changes to the road are needed.
Scoop
29-04-2025
- Automotive
- Scoop
Another Round Of Speed Consultation Up Ahead
Article – Emily Ireland – Local Democracy Reporter 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.
Scoop
29-04-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Another Round Of Speed Consultation Up Ahead
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.
