BLENHEIM ROAD

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31235, 6 December 1966, Page 20

BLENHEIM ROAD

Speed Limit Request

A proposal that would restrict speed on the whole of Blenheim road to 30 m.p.h. drew objections when it was put to the Paparua County Council last night.

A recommendation from the Sockburn town committee that a 30 m.p.h. limit be imposed between Hansons lane and the Sockburn roundabout, now a 55 m.p.h. zone, was made at the request of the International Harvester Company, the council was told.

The County Clerk (Mr A. Kelly) said the company had written to the Transport Department, which had referred the letter to the council. “I don’t think we would get the support of the Transport Department on this,” said Cr. A. Y. Shuker. “There have been arguments that the whole of Blenheim road should be 55 m.p.h.” Told that the company was concerned that traffic leaving its plant had to cut into fastmoving traffic, Cr. Shuker said the company did not have to use Blenheim road.

The council had hoped to plan to have industries on main roads, but in view of the company’s opinion, it might have to re-cast its ideas, said Cr. L. P. Manion. The committee was loath to put a restriction on a road designed for more than 30 m.p.h., said Cr. E. C. Britnell. If it became possible the council should consider having a 40 m.p.h. limit.

Rather than have a short length of 30 m.p.h., the committee felt that the zone should run from Hansons lane to the roundabout. Cr. L. J. Cutler also opposed the proposal and the council decided to refer it to the Transport Department for comment.