Transport Minister Simeon Brown says the previous government's speed limit changes, described as "nanny state regulations", will be reversed by the end of the year.
In a media release, the minister announced that Cabinet has agreed on the "direction of travel" for signing on a new land transport rule by the end of 2024.
The new rules are currently being developed and will go out for public consultation in the coming months.
Brown said: "I am working with the Minister for Regulation, David Seymour, to ensure that the rule removes 'nanny state' regulations aimed at slowing Kiwis down and focuses on practical, targeted safety measures."
National pledged to reverse "blanket" speed limit reductions during the election.
The Transport Minister continued: "The new rule will ensure that when speed limits are set, economic impacts - including travel times - and the views of road users and local communities are taken into account, alongside safety.
"The previous government's untargeted approach resulted in blanket speed limit reductions across the country, rather than targeting high crash areas of the network.
The Transport Minister told Breakfast road safety will be a 'top priority' for the Government. (Source: Breakfast)
"The new rule will lead to blanket speed limit reductions being reversed by the end of next year, except where it is unsafe.
"It is critical that we have the right settings in place to boost economic growth and improve road safety, enabling Kiwis to get to where they want to go, quickly and safely."
According to Brown, the new rule will require speed limits that have been reduced in urban areas to be reversed, except where the reduced speed limits are on main streets in town centres and approaching school gates during pick up and drop off times.
There would also be an exception for "targeted areas where there is strong evidence to support the reduced speed," according to the minister.
As part of the National-ACT coalition agreement, the new rule will require variable speed limits around schools during pick-up and drop-off times and enable 110km/h speed limits on new and existing Roads of National Significance.
Road safety experts have been critical of the new government's approach to road safety, warning it could lead to higher rates of deaths or serious injuries.
Despite it being safer some drivers are frustrated by the increased travel time, Helen Castles reports. (Source: 1News)
Brown said: "Implementing variable speed limits on roads approaching schools during pick-up and drop-off times, rather than permanent reductions, will keep young New Zealanders safe when they are arriving at or leaving school.
"Similar approaches are used in parts of the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States, and other countries to prioritise safety.
"In setting the direction for the new rule, the Government has found a pragmatic way to get Kiwis moving faster while ensuring that safety interventions are targeted and fit for purpose.
"It makes no sense to have roads that can safely accommodate higher speed limits, only to require motorists to drive more slowly."
Later this year, the Government would also publish "new objectives for road safety which focus on safer roads, safer drivers, and safer vehicles".
"This will target the highest contributing factors in fatal road crashes, particularly alcohol and drugs."
Changes made last December removed mandatory requirements for road controlling authorities - like the NZTA and local councils - to implement speed management plans.
Last year, former Labour prime minister Chris Hipkins backed away from proposals to lower speed limits on 4% of the state highway network to "safe and appropriate" speeds during his "bread and butter" policy bonfire.
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