A change to a 60km/h speed limit through Kaiwaka township and its outskirts may not be solving all road safety issues, according to community group Kaiwaka Can.
The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) implemented the change last month, as well as dropping the limit from 70km/h to 60km/h, just prior to the Caltex station travelling north.
For the sake of consistency, the 50km/h limit through the town was raised to 60km/h.
NZTA system design manager Brett Gliddon says that introducing one speed limit across the whole stretch of road will reduce confusion and drivers will be more likely to stay within the limits.
Kaiwaka Can initiated the idea for speed changes 18 months ago. Chair Derek Christensen says the result is a compromise.
“The upside is that the 70km/h approach into the township has been reduced but, the most dangerous area through two difficult intersections and over two bridges, has seen a speed increase,” Derek says.
“We will be keeping a close watch on the effects through the main part of the township.”
Derek says a number of positives have come from the process with NZTA including an electronic speed sign, town pavement extensions and planting as part of the overall improvements.
“A whole town improvement plan has come out of the conversation with NZTA and Kaipara District Council.”
Kaiwaka Can is also applying for permission to erect two large ‘Welcome to Kaiwaka’ sculptures at each end of the town.
