Speed limits have been lowered on several sections of Northland's highways – some of which had only been increased last year.
NZ Transport Agency said it had responded to community requests for safer speeds by reviewing limits on five sections of state highway.
On SH1 Moerewa to Kawakawa, the speed limit was dropped from 100km/h to 80km/h on a 2.17-kilometre stretch from east of Taumatamakuku Settlement Road to north of Rayner Street. The change was effective on October 12.
Tomorrow, speed on SH10 Kaingaroa north (East) from southwest of Pukewhai Road to northeast of Duncan Road will be reduced from 100 km/h to 80 km/h.
From southwest of Duncan Road to southwest of Pairatahi Road on SH10 Kaingaroa south (West), the speed limit will drop from 100 to 80km/h on October 15.
SH12 Opononi to Ōmāpere saw two drops effective today: from 100km/h to 60km/h from southwest of Pakanae Cemetery Road to northeast of Fairlie Crescent, and from 70km/h to 50km/h from northeast of Fairlie Crescent to south of Kokohuia Road.
SH1 between Moerewa and Kawakawa and SH10 north and south of Kaingaroa both had their speed limits increased in mid-2025 under the Government's reduction reversal scheme.
"The speed limit changes proposed as part of these reviews are highly targeted and will have little effect on overall travel times while improving safety where it matters most," NZTA said.
Jason Dawson, NZTA director of regional relationships for Auckland and Northland, said the agency had received over 1500 sumbissions about the proposal.
"We heard a range of views during consultation. Local feedback helped us understand how people use these roads, and the concerns communities have," he said.
“We considered this feedback alongside the safety evidence and technical assessment for each section. This confirmed that lower speed limits were the right outcome for these 5 locations."
The changes have been approved by the Director of Land Transport.
"These changes apply to relatively short sections of state highway," Dawson said. "The lower limits better reflect the road environment and will reduce risk.
"They’re expected to make journeys safer without adding significantly to travel times."
The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including why Auckland Transport might owe you money, and how a cyber attack shut down hundreds of supermarket fridges. (Source: Breakfast)
SHARE ME