Consultation opens today on Rotorua Lakes Council’s draft Speed Management Plan.

The plan aims at addressing safe and appropriate speed limits and supporting infrastructure over the next few years, says a statement from Rotorua Lakes Council.

Council is seeking feedback on aspects of the draft SMP that have been developed in line with National Transport Rule guidelines.

The community will have four weeks, from today to Friday, August 18, to review and provide feedback.

Infrastructure and environment deputy chief executive Stavros Michael says a key priority is to reduce speed around all Rotorua schools and within the CBD to 30km/h.

“The local environment has changed since speed limits were originally set. There’s been significant growth and development and use of different modes of transport is increasing. In Rotorua, 93 per cent of roads have speed limits higher than the safe and appropriate speeds now recommended by Waka Kotahi.

“The changes proposed in the draft Speed Management Plan are expected to decrease the number of speed-related crashes and encourage people to walk and bike, especially school children.”

New Zealand has committed to decisive action on road safety under Waka Kotahi Road to Zero: road safety strategy for 2023 – 2030.

Road to Zero adopts a vision of a New Zealand where no-one is killed or seriously injured on the country’s roads, streets and footpaths, with a target to reduce annual deaths and serious injuries by 40 per cent by 2030.

Kotahi regional relationships director David Speirs says they look forward to supporting Rotorua Lakes Council through the implementation of their plan.

“We’re pleased to see Rotorua Lakes Council committing to a plan that aligns well with Waka Kotahi’s commitment to Road to Zero – our strategy which has a strong vision of zero deaths and serious injuries on New Zealand roads.”

While Council does not have the ability to change the Waka Kotahi mandate for 30km/h around schools, community feedback is sought on other proposed changes – head to www.rotorualakescouncil.nz/smp to review information and provide feedback.

There are various ways to provide feedback:

• Fill out the submission form online, at Rotorua Lakes Council customer centre or Rotorua Library at Te Aka Mauri.
• Email letstalk@rotorualc.nz 
• Phone Rotorua Lakes Council on 07 348 4199

“Our streets and roads are for all – we want everyone to get to where they’re going safely,” says Michael.

“A small change in speed can make a big difference in saving lives and preventing serious injuries.”

Once Council has adopted a Speed Management Plan (SMP) it must be submitted to Waka Kotahi for certification and then to the Regional Transport Committee for integration into a Regional Speed Management Plan.

Following this, council officers will implement speed limit reductions around schools initially, as agreed in the Plan.

The new speed limits would be set once the regional plan has been adopted and it will become enforceable by NZ Police once speed limit signage has been installed.