Call for public views on speed limits along SH6 between Hope and Wakefield

Friday, 24 January 2020

A pop-in event has been organised at Hope on Tuesday for people who want a say on the speed limits along State Highway 6 between Hope and Wakefield.

Three people died and 18 were seriously injured in crashes between 2009 and 2018 along that section of highway. Some of the crashes were at intersections.

Waka Kotahi/NZ Transport Agency is holding the pop-in event to find out what people think about the speeds on that stretch of road. It is one of three sections of highways in the top of south subject to speed limit reviews. The other two are SH6 Blenheim to Nelson and State Highway 60 Upper Takaka to Takaka.

NZTA regional relationships director Jim Harland said the team at the Hope pop-in event wanted to hear what people thought of the speed limits between Hope and Wakefield, and if there were any areas that 'feel more dangerous than others'.

**READ MORE:

The speed limits are under review for State Highway 6 between Hope and Wakefield.

* Highway speed reviews for risky top of the south roads

Emergency services respond to a three-vehicle crash in November 2016 along State Highway 6 near Hope. Three people died and 18 were seriously injured in crashes between 2009 and 2018 along the section of SH6 between Hope and Wakefield.

* SH6 Nelson to Blenheim speed reduction decision in 2020

* Speed reduction between Upper Takaka and Takaka in Golden Bay proposed**

'We've had a range of feedback so far, both online and at our other community events last year,' Harland said. 'People have told us it's difficult to judge the speed of oncoming vehicles and at times there is a lot of traffic, and that means some drivers make risky decisions, like pulling out when it is not safe.'

The feedback would be considered alongside technical and safety data to help determine the next steps, which may include a formal consultation on speed limit changes.

'We know more development is planned and the population will grow, making this road even busier so we want to make sure the speed limits are right for this road,' Harland said. 'I'd encourage as many people as possible to get involved in this speed review so we can understand how the community feels about the current speed.'

NZTA staff would be at the Hope Community Church for the pop-in event on Tuesday, from 4.30pm to 7pm.

People unable to attend can visit the nzta.govt.nz/hope2wakefield website for more information and to comment. Feedback closes on Friday, February 7.