The regional Speed Management consultation will continue with the added economic focus as described in the recent letter to all Councils from the Minister of Transport Simeon Brown.
“The consultation on reducing local speed limits will continue but we need to acknowledge the change in Government policy, particularly as any changes will need their approval. The new Minister has made plain that they do not support blanket speed limit reductions. We need to focus on those discreet roads and streets in Nelson and Tasman that are adjacent to schools or have other localised safety issues enabling a good case for change,” said Regional Transport Committee Chair Tasman Deputy Mayor Stuart Bryant.
While clearly outlining the Government's direction of ensuring the economy is not hampered through changes to local speed limits, the Minister acknowledges that communities are able to consider what they believe is appropriate for their areas.
“When planning the current consultation process the Regional Transport Committee extended the consultation period and final decision-making timeline to allow the predicted change in Government direction to be considered.
"Despite the change in Central government direction and the process no longer being compulsory, the Councils’ Joint Regional Transport Committee still wants to consider the views of the community regarding speeds on council managed roads throughout the region."
The current Speed Management consultation is set to close on February 29 next year with the Joint Regional Transport Committee making their recommendation to the Councils in the following months.