September 17th, 2024
Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Regulation Minister David Seymour have outlined plans to overhaul the nation's speed limit rules by the end of 2024, according to a government media release issued on Thursday. This revision aims to reverse the blanket speed reductions implemented by the previous administration, focusing instead on a balanced approach that considers economic impacts, community and road user views, alongside safety.
Driving the news: The coalition Government's initiative to modify the Land Transport Rule represents a significant policy shift, moving away from across-the-board speed limit reductions to more targeted, evidence-based adjustments. These changes are expected to be implemented by the end of next year, except in areas deemed unsafe.
Zoom in: Central to the new rule is the inclusion of variable speed limits around schools during peak times and the introduction of 110km/h speed limits on select Roads of National Significance. These measures align with international practices aimed at enhancing safety without compromising travel efficiency.
Details: Minister Brown highlighted the importance of adopting a pragmatic approach that allows for faster travel on roads capable of safely supporting higher speeds. Meanwhile, Minister Seymour criticised the previous government's policy as irrational, emphasising the Coalition Government's commitment to principled, rational decision-making, including comprehensive cost-benefit analyses.
What's happening: The forthcoming changes include:
Reversal of blanket speed limit reductions, except where safety concerns persist.
Implementation of variable speed limits around schools to ensure child safety during critical times.
Enabling 110km/h speed limits on new and existing Roads of National Significance, acknowledging their enhanced safety features.
The big picture: This reform is part of the National-ACT coalition agreement and represents a broader strategy to enhance road safety through targeted measures. It also signals a move towards supporting economic growth by considering the impact of speed limits on travel times and economic activity.
What's next: The Government will publish new road safety objectives focusing on safer roads, drivers, and vehicles, with an emphasis on addressing the influence of alcohol and drugs on road accidents. Public consultation for the new Land Transport Rule will commence in the coming months, with the final rule expected to be signed by the end of the year.