A decision by NZTA to raise the speed limit to 100km/h on some stretches of Horowhenua roads has put Mayor Bernie Wanden and MP Tim Costley at odds.

After public consultation, NZTA found “not enough public support in Horowhenua” to keep speeds on sections of SH57 and SH1 at 80km/h. 

Sixty-five percent of local submissions supported lower speeds, but after adding submissions from outside the district,
55 percent wanted the higher speeds.

 “The voice of the community has been ignored, and that means higher risk for all road users,” says Bernie, who led a campaign against the proposed speed limit increases.

Ōtaki MP Tim Costley disagrees.

“The voice of the community has definitely been heard,” Tim says. “Where in the country the majority wanted lower speeds they are getting lower speeds.

“In Horowhenua the total number of people against was not high enough.”

He did say, however, he was disappointed that speed limits would be raised on the section of SH57 outside Speldhurst Country Estate.

“I haven’t given up on that one yet. I have spoken to NZTA and the minister, but NZTA will not reduce the speed on just that section of road, though it is only a few hundred metres. I am working on it.”

But Bernie says speeds will go up on busy stretches of road that run past marae, businesses and multiple side roads – as well as Speldhurst with its 700 elderly residents.  

“The community was very clear that it wanted the lower speed limits retained, with 65 percent of local submissions against going back to 100 km/h.”

He accepts that overall submissions, including road users from outside the district, were 55 percent in favour of raising the limits, but it was a close call. 

“And let me be clear – at 100km/h these roads are more dangerous for everyone. Since speed limits dropped to 80km/h in 2022 these roads have been safer.

“NZTA Waka Kotahi data show us there have been no fatal crashes in this period, compared to an average of more than two deaths a year when the speed limit was 100km/h. Serious injury crashes halved over the same period, from more than three to an average of 1.5 per year.”

He says before the speeds came down, the Ōtaki to Levin highway was known as one of the most dangerous stretches of road in the country.

As a result of the public consultation, SH1 between Ōhau and Manakau will be 100km/h again from July 1, as will the stretch of SH1 from Manakau to Pukehou Bridge, as well as SH57-SH1 from the Kimberley Road intersection to Heatherlea East Road.

The section of road south of Shannon that is 60km/h will go up to 70km/h.

Tim says cars are much safer today and safety measures implemented on the state highways in our region will help keep fatal accidents low, regardless of speeds. 

Mayor Bernie, however, has a plea for drivers, whether Horowhenua locals or those passing through. 

 “Please drive to the conditions, not just the speed limit. Saving a few minutes on your travel time is never worth getting into an accident.”