Far North District Council take first step towards speed limit review

Far North District Council is proposing minor adjustments to its speed limit bylaw ahead of a region wide review of speed limits. Photo/File

Feedback is being sought on minor changes to the speed limits bylaw in the Far North in the lead up to a region-wide review of speed limits.

The Far North District Council is seeking public feedback on the minor changes.

The council is required to review speed limits across the district as part of a national Safer Journeys programme.

Before the council does this, it needs to ensure its Speed Limits Bylaw 2008 is consistent with the Land Transport Act 1998, Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2017 and other speed limit bylaws in Northland.

The council will invite public submissions on a Proposed Speed Limits Bylaw 2019 from April 29 to May 27.

General manager strategic planning and policy, Darrell Sargent, said the council is not seeking feedback on speed limits on roads at this stage.

"We are only proposing administrative changes to the bylaw to bring it into line with the latest legislation and to achieve greater consistency with other councils in Northland.

"These changes include updated definitions, realignment of the way the council may change speed limits in the future, as well as minor administrative changes."

Sargent said the proposed changes do not impact on the effect of the bylaw or any posted speed limit.

"The Northland Transportation Alliance is co-ordinating a review of speed limits in Northland with the three district councils.

"This will focus on areas where speed limit reviews will improve road safety the most. Each council will consult their communities about speed limits when their area is being reviewed."

To download a copy of the Proposed Speed Limits Bylaw 2019 and to make a submission on the minor changes, go to www.fndc.govt.nz before May 27.

Whangārei District Council have been through the identical process, with the submission period for feedback on the minor changes to bring its bylaw into line with current legislation closing on April 15.