SPEED LIMITS TO BE AMENDED

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31923, 26 February 1969, Page 18

SPEED LIMITS TO BE AMENDED

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, February 25. A speed limit of 60 miles an hour on some motorways, an increase in the speed limit for buses, and a speed restriction on the open road for learner drivers are expected to be introduced in New Zealand on April 1.

The Minister of Transport (Mr Gordon) said today that regulations were at present being drafted to provide more realistic speed limits on New Zealand roads.

The changes provide for: The speed limit on certain motorways and highways to be increased to 60 miles an hour. Such sections will be designated by the Minister after consultation with the appropriate authorities.

A speed limit of 50 miles an hour to be imposed on drivers who are required to display the “L” sign.

The speed limit for buses, other than school buses, to be increased from 45 miles an hour to 50 miles an hour.

Mr Gordon said another change planned was for the Minister to impose a minimum speed limit on the righthand lane where there was a multi-lane highway. “Some evidence was given before a select committee on road safety that, under certain circumstances, the 55 m.p.h. limit could lead to a loss of concentration by some drivers, particularly on our better roads,” said Mr Gordon.

“At 60 m.p.h. a greater degree of concentration will be needed.

“Younger and less experienced drivers have a higher accident rate, and we hope that the 50 m.p.h. speed limit for probationary drivers will reduce this rate without unduly delaying other traffic,” said the Minister.

Mr Gordon emphasised that the designated sections of motorways and highways authorised for 60 m.p.h. would, in the first instance, be experimental.