Auto Trader NZ
Published 3 September 2020
The variable speed signs, along with four web cameras, will be linked to a weather station at the summit of the Kaimai Range.
When adverse weather hits, the posted speed will be reduced based on the conditions.
All 22 of the signs are expected to be in place by mid-October and after the technology is tested onsite the trial will go live in November.
The Transport Agency’s chief safety advisor, Colin Brodie says the two year trial aims to encourage people to drive at safe speeds when rain, ice and fog hit the Kaimai Range.
“Our data shows that over 70 percent of the crashes on the Kaimai Range happen in wet weather, and that over 40 per cent of these were caused by drivers travelling too fast for the conditions,” he says.
“Despite the changeable weather on the Kaimai Range people still attempt to travel at 100km/h.
“The new signs will allow us to drop the speeds to 60km/h on the Waikato side and 80km/h on the Bay of Plenty in adverse weather.
They will also be used during road works or in the event of a crash when speeds may be reduced to as low as 30km/h.”
The speeds will be enforced by police.
Mr Brodie says the Transport Agency is working closely with police and others to reduce deaths and serious injuries on New Zealand roads.
“Our work to create a truly safe transport system needs safe roads, safe vehicles, safe road use and safe speeds,” he says.
“This trial aims to get people driving at safe speeds that are appropriate to the road and conditions.
“If it is successful, and there is a reduction in death and serious injuries within the trial site, it may be rolled out across other similar sites in New Zealand.”
Speed restrictions and shoulder closes will be in place on SH29 over the next six weeks while contractors install the signs and motorists should expect minor delays.
