Council endorses lower speed limit | Hawkes Bay News | Local News in Hawkes Bay

A proposal from the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) to lower the speed limit permanently from 100km/h to 80km/h on SH2 between Hawke's Bay Airport and the Meeanee Quay/SH2 intersection has been endorsed by the Napier City Council City Services committee.

Because of increased traffic volumes associated with the Rugby World Cup, the speed limit had been temporarily reduced in an effort to reduce the crash rate and help tourists unfamiliar with New Zealand's roads.

The intersections at Meeanee Quay and the airport entrance had a history of accidents, Cr Rob Lutter said.

Cr Kathie Furlong supported solving issues by speed reduction instead of hard engineering and high-cost projects, because future roading developments in the area may be some time away.

Cr Jeffrey recommended NZTA install an advance-warning sign on the expressway to notify drivers they were approaching an 80km/h area.