Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency has set new safe and appropriate permanent speed limits for State Highway 3 between Waitara and Bell Block in Taranaki, following public consultation late last year.
The new speed limits, which come into effect on December 18, will create a consistent 80km/h speed limit improving safety on the highway ahead of the busy holiday period.
The new speed limits are located 60m east of Mahoetahi Rd to 400m west of Princess St and 430m east of Princess St to 300m east of Bayly St.
Director of regional relationships Emma Speight says SH3 between Waitara and Bell Block is one of the busiest roads in the region, providing access to key locations such as the New Plymouth Airport and Port Taranaki, and a high number of crashes occur on this stretch of road.
"There were 101 crashes on this route between 2009 and 2018. Seven people died and 14 people were seriously injured.