Transit Backs Down Over Speed Limit

A COMMUNITY backlash has thwarted a proposed increase in the speed limit through a small rural Taranaki town.

In February 2005, Transit New Zealand, after conducting a review of speed limits on all roads it controlled, planned to increase the speed limit through the coastal town of Rahotu from 50km/h to 70km/ h.

Transit was also planning to extend the 70km/h zone in Waverley, South Taranaki, 185m into the town, passing the town’s primary school.

The Rahotu township presented Transit with a petition, containing almost 300 signatures, and a number of submissions against the proposal.

Transit regional manager Errol Christiansen said the proposal had been dropped because of the community’s objections.

“It was because of the response of the local community that Transit sought and obtained a review of its earlier decision,” Mr Christiansen said, in a letter dated August 17.

The review had now been completed.

“Transit has noted the concerns raised by the local community and, as a consequence of this review, we inform you that we will not be changing the speed limit through Rahotu,” he said.

Rahotu School principal Margaret Dobbin said Transit had made the right decision. “It was the sensible and logical decision, I’m glad that they (Transit) have seen the light,” Mrs Dobbin said.

The school has a role of 132 students and the Playcentre, on the same site, has about 18 children attending.

Transit’s decision had made it safer for all of the children in the town, she said.

Rahotu School board of trustees member Jacqui Thony said the decision was great news.

“I didn’t expect it, personally,” Mrs Thony said.

It was pleasing Transit had listened to the community as raising the speed limit could have easily resulted in the death of a child, she said.

Rahotu Four Square owner Trevor Vercoe said Transit had made a very wise decision.

“It was the best one (decision) that they could have made,” Mr Vercoe said.

While the township of Rahotu had a win, further south in Waverley, Transit’s decision stood and the 70km/h zone has been extended past the primary school.

Principal Neryda Sullivan said the school had made a submission to Transit against the proposal.

“We have had no feedback from Transit what so ever,” Mrs Sullivan said.

Transit had recently erected 70km/h signs.

“They are right outside the school gates, it would be much more preferable if it was moved back to where it was.”

Parents voluntarily acted as crossing guards in the mornings while students did road patrols in the afternoon, she said.

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