Rotorua and Te Puke MP Todd McClay has promised to raise the issue of speed limits on State Highway 2 around Te Puke with Transport Minister and Tauranga MP Simon Bridges.
The issue had been raised with him by Te Puke people, who question the need to reduce the speedlimit, and there seems to be a strong voice for keeping the status quo.
Mr McClay said that with the $455 million Tauranga Eastern Link road due to open late this year, the issue of speed limits on the existing stretch of road between the Paengaroa Roundabout and Domain Rd was of increasing importance.
Mr McClay said the new road would help drive economic development in the Bay of Plenty, allowing businesses to become more productive and more competitive through reduced journey times.
However, he also said it was important that speed limits on the existing road be set to balance safety with convenience and economic activity of local people and businesses.
"It will be important to have a consistent speed limit along the piece of road, as is the current situation, rather than having different and changing limits, avoiding confusion and unnecessary delays for local people."
Mr McClay said it was important that speed limits were set with full and open public consultation.
Submissions can be made on the proposed speed limits at www.westernbay.govt.nz before the close of business on Friday.
