The Auckland Transport board has approved the proposed speed reductions across several roads across the region, following the tranche 2A consultation, which was publicly consulted on between September and November 2021.

AT received 8413 public submissions on the proposal – covering 804 roads.

The AT Board has approved all proposed roads from the consultation and, following the review of individual submissions, some additional changes have been made to the proposal.

These changes are a result of community and local board feedback, AT said.

According to AT, rural roads where speeds were changed on 30 June 2020 have seen a 71% reduction in deaths and more than a 25% reduction in serious injuries.

The new speed limits will come into effect from June/July this year. In total there will be 611km of new speeds all over Auckland.

Auckland Transport’s chief executive Shane Ellison said it was another important milestone in the Safe Speeds programme.

“We’ve got clear evidence that backs up our Vision Zero principles, and the message is simple: safe speed limits are saving lives. Since June 2020 there has been a 47% reduction in deaths in areas that were covered by Auckland Transport’s speed reductions. This clearly shows what we are doing is working,” he said.

“By approving another 804 roads for safe speeds, there will be fewer deaths and serious injuries on our network in the future. We will never compromise safety, and I’m really proud of the work we’ve done to make a significant change in Auckland.”

As a result of the AT Board approval, there will be safer speeds at 463 roads near 57 schools, 208 rural roads, residential roads in Manurewa, Ponsonby and Freemans Bay – as well as a safer environment for the Ōtara Town Centre.

Auckland Transport is also currently consulting on Phase Three of its Safe Speeds Programme, with 1646 roads proposed for reduced speeds.