5 October 2021
Waka Kotahi have reviewed all the public feedback and submissions and have now published their summary of the public engagement on safer speed limits for SH30. The Engagement Report and additional background information is available here.
The comments which related specifically to the Rotoiti section of the review were:
Section 8: Rotoiti
“Would it be possible to make a proper pavement to enable us to walk to Hongis Track from Morehu Rd?”
“This just increases driver frustration; this is a main route to get between Whakatāne and Rotorua. Also, this is the safest place to pass if required. Unfortunately, slow drivers don't pull over to allow people doing the speed limit to pass.”
Section 9: Tikitere
“Cars often park on the southern side in the median strip adjacent to the gravel pit, which is unsafe. It isn't wide enough to do this and dangerous for people getting in and out of cars.”
“Could the 80km signs be moved east past Brunswick Drive? Seems strange that they were put before the road as it would make it safer for vehicles coming in and out of Brunswick Drive.”
“The entire stretch from Curtis Road to just past the Hinehopu Golf Club should reduce all the way down to 60 km/h. The current 100 km/h to Ruatō is too fast and dangerous.”
As changing speed limits is a legal process, there are numerous steps to follow when considering changing them.
The next step, which they hope to complete early 2022, is to develop detailed proposed speed limits using technical assessment and feedback from the engagement stage. This step will then be followed by the formal consultation stage, where Waka Kotahi ask the public and stakeholders for any additional information that might have an impact on their final decision.
Background information is available on our State Highway 30, Issues page here.