Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency has set a permanent new speed limit for SH8 through Burkes Pass, in South Canterbury.

In a month’s time, from 12 October, the existing 80km/h section of SH8 through Burkes Pass will be reduced to 60km/h. This change will start 260 metres north-east of Rollesby Valley Road and go to 350m south-west of Rollesby Valley Road.

Burkes Pass is well known as the entrance to the Mackenzie District and the beginning of a scenic journey that takes people past the South Island’s hydro lakes.

“Residents in Burkes Pass have been asking for the speed to be reduced in their township for some time,” says Jim Harland, Director Regional Relationships for Waka Kotahi.

“We have undertaken a thorough review of the speed limit, which included consulting with the general public in October and November last year. We thank the members of the public who provided their feedback on the proposed speed limits, with 44 submissions received,” says Mr Harland.

“Burkes Pass is an historic small village and is a popular place to stop and take a break. For this reason, people wanted the speed limit lowered. Our decision is that 60km/h is a safe and appropriate speed for this rural village and that it brings the speed into line with similar-sized villages in Canterbury,” he says.

Jane Batchelor, Chairperson of the Burkes Pass Heritage Trust and a long-time lobbyist for a safer speed limit through the village, says it may have taken some time to achieve it, but she is glad it is now in sight. “Many people were determined not to give up in our request for a safer speed limit for residents and for all road users. We are glad our voices have been heard.”

The setting of the new permanent speed limit also included engagement with the Police, the AA, and the Road Transport Forum.

This speed review is aligned to New Zealand’s Road Safety Strategy, Road to Zero 2020 – 2030 and a programme of work delivering safety improvements, including speed management, on our highest risk intersections and roads across New Zealand. Through these safety improvements, Waka Kotahi aims to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads.

• More information on the permanent speed limits and the consultation summary, including the submissions can be found at: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/sh8-burkes-pass-speed-consultation/

· Speed management background: https://nzta.govt.nz/safety/our-vision-of-a-safe-road-system/safe-network-programme/speed-management/ or www.nzta.govt.nz/speedreviews

· How speed contributes to the seriousness of crashes in New Zealand:https://nzta.govt.nz/safety/driving-safely/speed/

· Speed fact sheet: https://nzta.govt.nz/assets/Safety/docs/safe-network-programme/speed-infographic.pdf

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