Supporting this is a demonstration project to test a new approach to speed management, using the new national Draft Speed Management Guide. The Waikato region has been selected to demonstrate this through to the end of 2016 at a number of yet to be determined locations.
The Waikato has been chosen as it has one of the highest road fatality tolls in the country, along with a diverse range of roads including rural, urban, through to very modern roads such as the Waikato Expressway. Not all roads are created equal – and that’s especially true in the Waikato.
Work is underway to decide the best locations in the region to demonstrate the Guide over the coming year. A cross-section of areas will be selected to test different ways to manage speeds on roads.
Some of the things which may be done include road markings, signage, education, reviewing of speed limits and road safety campaigns. Connecting with communities will be an important part of any changes.
The longer term speed management framework aims to have a regionally consistent approach to speed management across local roads and highways.
Running alongside will be work to build better understanding of risk, road classification and the necessity of speed management.
Both the framework and demonstration of the Guide align with the RTC's Regional Road Safety Strategy 2013-16 and the Government's Safer Journeys strategy.