Roads across Auckland could be in for a speed shake up as Auckland Transport seeks public feedback on speed limits.

Last year saw 36 people die after travelling on Auckland roads. AT has proposed to amend the Speed Limits Bylaw 2019 in a bid to reduce this number.

Part of the plan is to deliver safer, more appropriate speed limits for Auckland’s roads, particularly in the Franklin area – which had the highest number of road deaths in Auckland during 2020.

AT will seek public feedback on its next phase of proposed safer speed limits, including reviewing speed limits on approximately 614km of roads for possible reductions.

Safe and appropriate speed limits sit alongside driver education, investment in safety cameras, and investment in road – as part of a holistic approach being taken to road safety in Auckland.

Consultation for this next phase of safe speed limits will likely begin in mid-August 2021, with feedback open for a minimum of four weeks.

AT’s Safe Speeds programme supports its Vision Zero goal of zero deaths and serious injuries on Auckland’s roads by 2050.

“Speed determines the likelihood of a crash and the severity of the outcome,” said Adrienne Young-Cooper, Auckland Transport board chair.

“We’re all human and we all make mistakes, but those mistakes shouldn’t result in death or serious injury.

“We are pleased to move forward towards public consultation and seek feedback on these proposed safer speed limits,” she says.

“AT will continue to work closely with mana whenua, elected members, stakeholders and all Aucklanders when reviewing speed limits.”

Over the past 12 months, safe and appropriate speed limits were introduced on approximately 828km of roads (or more than 600 roads) across Auckland. This included our city centre, high-risk rural roads, residential areas and the town centres of Ōtāhuhu, Orewa, Mairangi Bay and Torbay.

Speed limit changes also kicked off this week in St Heliers, Mission Bay and West Lynn town centres as AT completed the first group of roads under the Speed Limits Bylaw 2019.

The next phase of proposed speed limits will include a mix of urban and residential roads, rural roads, town centres, roads around schools and roads around marae.

There will be a focus on the roads around 71 schools and rural Auckland – extending from Pukekohe and Papakura, through to Kawakawa Bay and the Hūnua Ranges Regional Park.