Community consultation open for Russell-Kororāreka Speed Management Plan

The council is seeking community feedback on proposed new speed limit changes in the Russell-Kororāreka catchment area, which includes the communities of Russell, Ōkiato, Rāwhiti, Waikare, and Kāretu.

You can find out more and provide feedback on the proposed speed limit changes by visiting the Russell-Kororāreka Speed Management Plan webpage. A link to the survey can be found directly on the FNDC website or here.

This consultation closes on Monday 30 September 2024. To assist with feedback, the council is hosting a drop-in information session at the Russell RSA on Thursday, 12 September 2024, between 4-6pm.

Over the past five years, there have been 34 crashes in the Russell-Kororāreka catchment area resulting in injuries, with 10 leading to death or serious injury. Combined with a significant increase in walkers and cyclists using these routes, this highlights the need to review speed limits.

It is important to note that the Government’s recently released draft of the Land Transport Rule, Setting of Speed Limits 2024, is currently at proposal stage and not yet legislation. If adopted, the new rule may influence some of the proposed speed limit changes. The draft rule identifies “blanket” speed restrictions. However, proposals for the Russell-Kororāreka catchment area are not blanket speed restrictions; they are carefully considered responses to extensive community feedback gathered over many years.

The roads in these areas typically feature one lane in each direction with no passing lanes, limited physical separation between opposing traffic, and a generally narrow, winding configuration. These factors contribute to a higher risk of crashes.

For context, Whangārei District Council recently held its speed management plan consultation for the Tūtūkākā Coast, Hikurangi, Whananaki, and Ōakura areas, with submissions closing in June 2024.

The council is legally required to consult with the public before making speed limit changes. That feedback will help guide any final decisions. To make it easier for people to share their thoughts, the council has developed a social pinpoint map where submitters can drop a ‘pin’ on the roads they frequently travel or have an opinion on. They can leave comments and also see what others are saying.

Adoption and implementation of this Speed Management Plan is subject to approval from councillors and the availability of funding.