Concerns about speeds through Ngatea, Paeroa, Waihī and Katikati

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People from Mangatarata to Katikati are being asked to share their local insights about concerns over the speed people are travelling through the towns of Ngatea, Paeroa, Waihī and Katikati.

As Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency continues to review speed limits on state highways, SH2, from the SH2/SH 25 Mangatarata roundabout in Hauraki to Katikati in Western Bay of Plenty, will be under the spotlight after being identified as roads where safer speed limits could make a big difference in preventing deaths and serious injuries.

Waka Kotahi director of regional relationships David Speirs says between 2010 and 2019, 21 people died and 95 were seriously injured on this road.

"We're working toward a future where no one is killed or seriously injured in road crashes in Aotearoa New Zealand," he said.

"Lots of change is needed to get us there but there is one thing we can do that will make a huge difference immediately – making speeds safer on our roads.

"The speed of a vehicle at impact is the single biggest factor that determines if you or someone you love walks away from a crash."

Mr Speirs says Waka Kotahi has heard concerns from people about the speed vehicles are travelling along this road and through the towns of Ngatea, Paeroa, Waihī and Katikati.

"Engaging with the community helps us get feedback and local knowledge on how people feel about current speeds in the area, including on roads around their local school, marae, business, or workplace."

This information will feed into technical reviews to help determine if a speed limit change will improve safety and help shape new proposed speeds, which will then be formally consulted on.

"We'd like people to tell us about places that are hard to get to or from, how safe they feel crossing the highway or letting their children walk or cycle to school in certain areas, and if there are any other sites or information that we need to be especially aware of," Mr Speirs says.

"Reviewing speed limits is something we can do to prevent avoidable deaths and help us to achieve our Road to Zero target to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads by 40 per cent over the next 10 years."

People can find out more about the speed reviews and have their say online or at a number of pop-up events being hosted by Waka Kotahi.

Feedback closes at 5pm on Monday, April 26. Contact waikato.speed.reviews@nzta.govt.nz.