Proposed changes to speed limit rules should consider the impacts to all road users, including social and environmental impacts.
The Whau and Waitākere Ranges local boards, alongside Henderson-Massey Local Board, have provided feedback to the Government’s consultation on the setting of speed limits, opposing the proposed changes.
Waitākere Ranges Local Board Chair Greg Presland says that decisions concerning speed management should be made locally, where they have traditionally been.
“Decisions about local roads should remain with local government so that we can respond to the diverse and unique needs of our communities. There is no justification for changing this.
“Further, the draft speed limit changes proposal appears to place no weight on climate change implications.
“Greater speeds suggest greater greenhouse gas emissions. In a time of climate crisis this should be a primary consideration, and the board has made this clear in its submission to the consultation.”
Whau Local Board member Sarah Paterson-Hamlin reflects that community feedback has been strong in support of safer speeds.
“All of our priorities around transport have received support from the community, especially around creating safe and accessible transport options.
“Research clearly shows that lower speed limits save lives.
“We have directly received feedback from local schools who are concerned about safety on the roads, identifying speeding drivers as a key issue.
“The proposals for speed limit changes undermines the community consultations we have run. The positive feedback from the community around safer speeds has been clear, and we are very concerned that our communities will lose confidence in the public consultation process if the speed limit changes go ahead.”
Paterson-Hamlin also notes that the potential cost involved is a concern for the board.
“We are also concerned that the financial cost involved for councils in raising speed limits, at a time when budgets are already under pressure, will take away from important community projects.”
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