Coalition Government to Overturn Blanket Speed Limit Reductions

The Coalition Government is set to reverse Labour’s blanket speed limit reductions by this time next year. It intends to do this using a new Land Transport Rule that was released for public consultation today, according to Transport Minister, Simeon Brown.

The National-ACT coalition government made a pre-election promise to reverse the previous government’s blanket speed limit reductions. The new rule will mean that when speed limits are set, economic impacts like travel times and the views of road users and local communities are heard, alongside safety concerns.

Mr Brown said “The previous government’s untargeted approach slowed Kiwis and the economy down, rather than targeting high crash areas of the network.

“Our draft speed limit rule will require speed limits that have been reduced since 1 January 2020 to be reversed on local streets, arterial roads, and state highways. It will also require variable speed limits outside schools during pick up and drop off times to keep young New Zealanders safe.

“Local streets outside a school will be required to have a 30km/h variable speed limit during school travel times. Rural roads that are outside schools will be required to have variable speed limits of 60km/h or less.”

Regulation Minister David Seymour said that blanket restrictions forced on communities make it harder for people to commute quickly and safely. He added that they also force people to follow rules that were nonsensical.

“Sensible lawmaking is important for respecting the rule of law,” Mr Seymour said.

Mr Brown said that the draft speed limit rule will enable new and existing Roads of National Significance to have a 110km/h speed limit.

“With the delivery of Roads of National Significance, New Zealand roads are safer than they have ever been before. Safe road infrastructure should be enabling higher speed limits.

“As part of consultation on the draft rule, the Government is seeking feedback from New Zealanders on enabling speed limits of up to 120km/h on Roads of National Significance that are built and maintained to safely accommodate that speed.

“I encourage New Zealanders to submit feedback on our draft speed limit rule to reverse blanket speed limit reductions across the country. Kiwis can provide feedback on the rule at www.transport.govt.nz ,” Mr Brown added.