4 days ago
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.
