Speed limit changes; Major events funding available; Mayor welcomes PP2Ō asphalt decision

Speed limit changes come into effect for Kāpiti roads

The Kāpiti Coast District Council is advising motorists that new speed limits for 36 local roads will come into effect next week. These changes are the result of Stage 1 of the Council’s District-wide speed limit review 2017-18, and follow on from community consultation earlier in the year. The review is being carried out in response to public requests for particular roads to have their speed limits reviewed by the Council.

Group Manager Infrastructure Services Sean Mallon says signs will start going up next Tuesday 14 August, and should all be in place by the end of the week.

“In each area, the new speed reflects the safe speed for the road environment, the development use and function of the road, and also reflects the speed that most traffic travels along that section of road.

“Motorists should be aware of these changes and that these new speed limits are being put in to help keep everyone safe. Once the signs are in, these speed limits will be enforceable and we hope everyone does their part to help make these roads safer for all users.”

“We’ll be touching base again with residents to remind them of the changes, and staff have started preparing for Stage 2 of the review, which people can expect to hear about soon.”

The roads under review were assessed and new limits proposed on the basis of safety risk, the road environment including land development, speed limits on adjoining roads and any changes on those roads since original speed limits were set. The Council also took into account new national rules and guidelines for speed limits administered by the NZ Transport Agency.

The full list of speed limit changes and the rationale for each is available on the Council’s website.

About other speed limit reviews:

The Council’s review of local roads is separate from NZ Transport Agency’s speed limit review of old SH1 roads between Raumati and Peka Peka (part of their SH1 revocation work). For more information on the SH1 revocation and speed limit review, visit the Transport Agency’s website.

Media contact for more information – Cindy Bangs on 04 296 4630 or 027 555 5630 | cindy.bangs@kapiticoast.govt.nz

Funding available to support major events with distinct Kāpiti flavour

The Kāpiti Coast District Council is now inviting applications for the 2018 Kāpiti Major Events Fund.

The fund was established by the Council in 2016 to help develop and grow signature events on the Kāpiti Coast, with event development identified as a key driver in achieving long-term economic development here in the District. The goal is to build a diverse calendar of events that attract visitors, add vibrancy to our communities, and provide a return on investment for the local economy.

Economic Development Manager Sarah Todd says developing events that have a distinct Kāpiti flavour and attract visitors to the District is a priority for the Council.

“We’re looking for events that will help grow our reputation as a vibrant, diverse and thriving District, and the strategy is really starting to deliver, with iconic events like Māoriland Film Festival and Coastella clearly hitting the mark with locals and visitors alike.

Applications for the 2018/19 Kāpiti Major Events Fund close at 5pm on 7 September 2018.

Final decisions about which events will receive funding will be made by the Council on 25 October 2018.

For more information visit the Council’s website.

Mayor welcomes PP2Ō EMOGPA decision

Kāpiti Coast District Mayor K Gurunathan welcomes the news that an asphalt surface will be applied throughout the entire length of the Peka Peka to Ōtaki (PP2Ō) Expressway.

The New Zealand Transport Agency today announced that they would use Epoxy Modified Open-Graded Porous Asphalt (EMOGPA) instead of chip seal on the PP2Ō Expressway in response to growing traffic demands now and into the future.

In 2013, NZ Transport Agency sought consent to build the PP2Ō expressway from the Board of Inquiry. Based on traffic modelling presented, it was determined that chip seal was the most appropriate and cost effective surface for the expressway.

The Mayor says he’s pleased the Transport Agency has made this decision as it will benefit both local community living near the PP2Ō Expressway and motorists.

“As I understand it EMOGPA is longer-lasting than chip seal and will make for a much smoother driving experience. It drains better and faster during storm events and will help reduce the traffic noise for people living near the expressway.”

“The Peka Peka to Ōtaki Expressway, once constructed, will be a fantastic edition to the Kāpiti Coast,” said the Mayor. “ It will strengthen our district’s connections to both the north and the south and will significantly improve our resilence. I for one can wait for the Expressway to be completed as it will not only make my daily commute between Ōtaki and Paraparaumu safer and more enjoyable but it should also shave a few minutes off my journey.”

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