- By Dr Parmjeet Parmar, ACT List MP based in Pakuranga
As a resident of Pakuranga, I’ve experienced first-hand the impact of speed limit reductions on our local community.
Pakuranga Road was dropped from 60km/h to 50km/h. Part of Ti Rakau Drive dropped from 60km/h to 50km/h.
Parts of Botany Road were dropped from 60km/h to 50km/h, and Te Irirangi Drive, a key connector for our part of the city, was dropped from 60-80km/h to 50-60km/h, depending on the area.
Slower main roads during peak hours have led GPS-guided traffic onto smaller residential streets, causing anxiety for local residents.
Off-peak, under-utilised road capacity exacerbates the problem.
Optimal speed limits, tailored to road conditions, are crucial.
We shouldn’t sacrifice efficiency for the illusion of safety.
Labour’s speed limit reductions inadvertently caused traffic congestion, wasting valuable time for commuters in Pakuranga and beyond.
This inefficiency affects our personal lives and erodes our productivity.
While safety on our roads is paramount, Labour’s approach of simply cutting speed limits oversimplified a complex issue.
Yes, excessive speed contributes to accidents, but neglecting other factors – such as road conditions, weather, vehicle maintenance, and driver behaviour – can lead to misguided policies.
ACT campaigned on reversing speed limit reductions where it is safe to do so, and in Government we have secured this commitment in our coalition agreement with National.
The Transport Minister has confirmed a new Land Transport Rule will lead to blanket speed limit reductions being reversed by the end of next year, except where it is unsafe.
And when speed limits are set, economic impacts – including travel times – and the views of road users and local communities will be taken into account alongside safety.
It is certainly true east Auckland has grappled with street-racing issues.
Unfortunately, reducing speed limits won’t deter reckless behaviour.
If somebody is racing at 160km/h when the speed limit is 80km/h, they have already demonstrated that speed limits are irrelevant to them.
What’s needed is enforcement for those causing problems, not stricter rules for every driver on those roads.
To truly enhance road safety, we need a comprehensive strategy.
It’s not enough to slow down traffic without addressing other critical elements.
Our roads’ condition, infrastructure, and driver education are central to the problem.
Let’s advocate for evidence-based policies that consider all factors, promote efficiency, and keep our communities safe.
Speed limits matter, but they’re just one part of the equation.
Together, we can create a safer, smarter road network for Pakuranga and beyond.
