Richard Weld, a frequent user of State Highway 2, was against lowering the speed limit. Photo / Ruth Keber
Every day Kiwis exercise their democratic right to have their say on issues affecting them.
Generally those who do, oppose the direction our leaders are heading in. Often they can struggle to be heard - but not so in Te Puke this week.
Residents came out in force to make
known their opposition to the Western Bay of Plenty District Council's proposal to reduce the speed limit on the outskirts of town once the Tauranga Eastern Link opens later this year. More than 1000 people signed a petition against it. Residents were concerned it would be bad for business and make it harder to attract people to live or work in the town as it would further persuade people to use the bypass.
On Wednesday the council made the sensible decision to retain the 100km/h speed limit on rural stretches of State Highway 2 between Papamoa and Paengaroa and review the limits again in two years.
I back the council's decision for several reasons. First, those who live and work in Te Puke are the ones who use the road the most and will be most affected by any changes. Input from roading experts is important but locals should be consulted and weight given to what they have to say.
