Third round of public consultation on Auckland speed limits to kick off in 2022

In News2 MinutesBy NZ Trucking magazineDecember 10, 2021

Auckland Transport will be seeking public feedback on a third phase of proposed safe speed limits for the regions from the first half of 2022.

This includes reviewing speed limits on approximately 1418 km of roads (19% of the AT road network) for possible reductions.

In 2020, 526 people were either killed or seriously injured on Auckland roads. These deaths include a growing number of people who were not in vehicles – particularly pedestrians.

In 2020, ‘safe and appropriate’ speed limits were introduced on more than 600 roads across Auckland. This included the city centre, high risk rural roads, residential areas and the town centres of Ōtāhuhu, Orewa, Mairangi Bay and Torbay.

Speed limit changes were then implemented in St Heliers, Mission Bay and West Lynn town centres – as AT completed the first group of roads under the Speed Limits Bylaw 2019.

The second consultation phase of proposed speed limits (September – November 2021) was a mix of roads near schools, marae and town centres; as well as urban, residential and rural roads. AT received 8413 submissions and is now reviewing each one.

Phase three of the proposed speed limit changes for next year includes Takapuna, Devonport and Glen Innes town centres. Schools will feature prominently again, with 980 roads near schools. The proposal also includes high risk rural roads in areas including Waiheke and the Āwhitu Peninsula.

Public consultation for phase three of safe speed limits will likely begin in the first half of 2022 – with feedback open for a minimum of four weeks.