Government's U-turn on lower speed limits will cost lives - safety expert
www.rnz.co.nz
A road safety charity believes a u-turn on a policy that's seen lower speed limits on some roads, will cost lives. The government plans to stop what it calls blanket speed limit reductions. The Labour government introduced 80km/h speed limits on some highways, and lowered the limit to 30 kays an hour around schools and some suburban streets. Transport Minister Simeon Brown says he wants a system that gets people where they want to go faster and he told Checkpoint he plans to introduce variable speed limits around schools that only apply during drop-off times. Caroline Perry from Brake NZ joins Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6342930999112
  • flambonkscious@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
    7·
    10 months ago

    This is why I don’t think central government should really get involved, as it becomes a political issue and loses nuance. This is a technical thing that we have experts for, you can guarantee they weren’t involved in the ‘policy’ formation. They may be used or twisted to justify things, but it’s the tail wagging the dog, really…

    I totally agree about acceptable risk being one of those nuanced factors. NZTA used to deal with this all the time, from what I understand…

    There are a couple of truths here that are being ignored or barely touched on:

    • most of our roads are trash (but they may not be what’s being discussed, I’m not familiar with the examples used about or in the article), but it gets people thinking ‘meatspeeds back on the menu boys!’

    • we’re a nation of terrible drivers. I’m sure there are exceptions, but the tired and impatient risk-taking we routinely do in multi-ton machines is really bizarre

    • Ilovethebomb
      1·
      10 months ago

      You’re quite right, setting speed limits is something that should be done at arms length from the politicians.