Council adopts a new Speed Management Plan
Released: Monday 12 February 2023
South Waikato District Council has adopted a new Speed Management Plan (SMP) in support of Government's and Waka Kotahi's national road safety strategy "Road to Zero".
The decision comes after an extensive community engagement process where 75 community members made submissions in favour of reducing the speed limits on selected roads, with 19 community members electing to speak at the Hearings and Deliberations held last year.
According to Robert Cathie, Road Safety Coordinator, “Speed management plans are one of the many tools councils can use as part of the ‘Road to Zero’ road safety strategy.”
Focus areas
The SMP encompasses roads around schools, early childcare and learning centres, marae and some rural roads. It will involve reducing speed limits and implementing safety improvements, including improved signage and road marking. At the Hearings and Deliberations sessions, community members provided Council with crucial insights and suggestions which have subsequently been included in the plan.
The additions made to the SMP after public consultation are as follows:
- Paparamu Marae has been added to the SMP.
- The speed limit thresholds on Horahora Road will be reduced to 50 kilometres per hour (kph) through the built-up area and 80kph buffer zones will be added at either end of Horahora Road.
- Arapuni Village has been added to the SMP. The speed limit thresholds will be reduced to 50kph and 80kph buffer zones will be added at both ends of the 50kph thresholds.
- The speed limit on Somerville Road will be reduced to 50kph past the Okoroire golf course.
Funding for supporting infrastructure to match the surrounding environment to the reduced speed limit will be included in the Council’s next Long Term Plan (2024-34).