Speed limit reductions approved for some roads in the Bay
Reduced speed limits in parts of Golden Bay were adopted by Tasman District Council at its meeting on 12 March. The changes are the result of requests from Golden Bay people and they have been greeted with approval by the community board.
“All of the reductions are sensible,” said board chair Joe Bell. “It’s just disappointing that the issue we’ve had the most community feedback on—Rototai Road—has been left at 70kmph. It’s also disappointing that the stretch of Abel Tasman Drive after Pohara Valley has remained at the default speed of 100kmph. This process highlights the fact that very few of Golden Bay’s roads are suitable for the maximum speed limit. That’s as fast as you’re allowed to drive on purpose-built highways with wide lanes and median strips. The warrant system doesn’t take into account changing land use, the topography of the road and things like that.”
Council’s transportation manager, Gary Clark, explained that the warrant system used to determine speed limits involves a formal survey process and employs a national standard that is set by statute.
“Now that council has adopted the changes, the new speed limits will apply as soon as we can change all the signs,” said Mr Clark.
Sergeant Arthur Clarence of the Takaka Police said that the new speed limits will be being enforced from the time that the signs change.
The changes are as follows:
Collingwood: the 50kmph area has been extended along Haven Road to 400 metres from the intersection of Tasman and Elizabeth Streets. All of Ruataniwha Drive and McDonald Place now also have a 50kmph limit.
Parapara: all of Bishop, Pryor and Parapara Esplanade roads become 50kmph.
Patons Rock: the 50kmph area has been extended further along Patons Rock Road.
Three Oaks to Pohara: the speed limit will be 80kmph all the way except for the stretch in Motupipi that is already 70kmph.
Rototai: the 70kmph limit remains except for the area encompassing all of Arapeta and Toiora Places.
Neil Wilson
