The intersection of SH1 and SH57, south of Levin. Photo: Google Images
Horowhenua's mayor says increasing speed limits on State Highway 1 south of Levin will increase the risk of death and serious injuries.
The Government asked NZTA Waka Kotahi to either automatically reverse or consult on reversing speed limit reduction that came into force on state highways after January 2020.
Two of the roads consulted on were State Highway 1 south of Levin, between Ōhau and Manakau, and State Highway 57, between Heatherlea East Road and State Highway 1, that runs alongside Levin.
Following consultation NZTA Waka Kotahi has confirmed the speed limit will increase from 80 kilometres per hour to 100km/h by 1 July.
A spokesperson said that was due to public support for retaining the lower limits at the two locations having not reached majority support.
Horowhenua Mayor Bernie Wanden. Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
Horowhenua Mayor Bernie Wanden told RNZ he was disappointed.
"By looking at those that submitted community voice has been largely ignored, it is road users that have held the sway."
Wanden said the consultation was purely based on the number of submissions -- not factors such as safety.
He said there had been no deaths or serious injuries on State Highway 1 between Ōhau and Manakau since the speed limit had been reduced.
"Now we are going back to 100km/h which I think is only going to increase the risk of more accidents and therefore deaths and serious injuries."
Regarding the other road that will see a speed increase, Wanden said a retirement village that backed onto the route had worked hard to get the speed reduced.
"They now are going to be coming out to a 100km/h speed limit road. I think again that is pretty dangerous."
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
