The NZ Transport Agency (the Transport Agency) is consulting, on behalf of the Minister of Transport, on the draft Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits [2017]. This Rule determines how speed limits are set in New Zealand. The proposed Rule would revoke and replace Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2003.
The proposed Rule would replace out-of-date methodology for setting speed limits and managing speed with an approach based on new technology and data. This will help the Transport Agency and Road Controlling Authorities assess and understand real risk on the road, and ensure our speed limits are safe and appropriate. Road Controlling Authorities will be encouraged to target speed management to areas with the highest safety and efficiency benefit opportunities.
Significant changes proposed include allowing for a new maximum speed of 110km/h on our very best roads, recognising that some modern roads can be safely driven at this speed. These roads will need to meet certain criteria, including at least two lanes in each direction separated by a median barrier.
The public consultation (yellow) draft, which includes an explanatory overview, together with Questions and Answers, is available, on the Transport Agency’s website at: www.nzta.govt.nz/setting-of-speed-limits-rule
The consultation material is also available for viewing at the Transport Agency’s National Office and regional offices. You are welcome to call the Transport Agency Contact Centre on freephone 0800 699 000 for further information about the proposed Rule, or if you wish to be sent a hard copy of the consultation material.
Feedback is an important part of the legislative process, and as an important stakeholder, we value your input and encourage you to make a submission in a way that suits you. You can either:
- make an online submission using the form provided on our website.
- email your submission to rules@nzta.govt.nz with ‘Setting of Speed Limits Rule submission’ in the subject line.
- send us a written submission focusing on the elements of the proposed Rule relevant to you; post it to: Setting of Speed Limits Rule submissions, Rules Team, NZ Transport Agency, Private Bag 6995, Wellington 6141.
