JUNE
PIPIRI 2022
Bays speed limit reduction looks likely by Louise Parry Hutt City Council is pushing to lower the Marine Drive speed limit from 70km/h to 50km/h, despite data showing the majority of vehicle accidents occur in 50km/h zones. Local crash data reports from 2016-2020 show a total of 42 reported crashes, three of which were classed as serious injuries. Twenty eight of the 42 reported crashes occurred in 50km/h zones, various causes unknown. Of the reported crashes, 24 occurred between the stretch of road approaching the corner into Point Howard and the pumping station in York Bay - much of which is a 50km/h zone. Ten reported crashes occurred, of which two had serious injuries, in the stretch of road between approximately the York Bay pumping station and Sunshine Service Station - all of which in the 70km/h zone. Eight occurred in the 50km/h zone from approximately Ferry Road in Days Bay to the end of Muritai Road in the south. According to NZTA, a 'Serious' crash is one resulting in Injury (fracture, concussion, severe cuts or other injury) requiring medical treatment or removal to and retention in hospital. 'Minor' crashes result in injury which is not ‘serious’ but requires first aid, or which causes discomfort or pain to the person injured. 'Non-injury' crashes result in property damage only. Three of the crashes were classified as
Members of the Ukrainian Gromada of Wellington, with local resident Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield, at the auction fundraising event. See story, Page 6. Photo: Byron Taylor, Moments Production.
serious and 20 crashes resulted in injuries. The Government’s road safety strategy, Road to Zero – Te Ara Ki Ti Ora, which aims to reduce deaths and serious injuries on New Zealand roads to Zero, requires all councils to conduct a speed review programme. The Eastern Bays has been identified as a priority for speed management due to safety concerns. There were no deaths recorded during the five year period. In 2009 an Eastbourne Herald Survey showed 97 percent of responding residents wanted the speed limit retained as is. In 2014, the Eastbourne Community Board survey found only 11 percent of residents wanted a speed limit reduction. The closing date for submissions was Monday, 20 June. Early on Monday, HCC
Traffic Engineering Manager Bob Hu indicated council officers had already made its mind up on the issue. "All the evidences confirmed that a speed limit reduction is required on Marine Drive, with the recent Bylaw change there’s also a requirement from the Ministry of Transport to provide safe speed management. "The Council is keen to work and learn from the community’s needs, and we trust that the majority of our community (if not all) will put our neighbours’, families’ and school students’ safety on the first priority by supporting the proposal." There is some concern in the community over the weight the council will give public consultation on the matter. Continued on Page 10
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