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Waka Kotahi (NZTA) should be fixing the roads, instead of trying to impose more speed limits Federated Farmers said in its submission on the Interim State Highway Speed Management Plan 2023-24 Consultation Draft.
Many local roads had been allowed to deteriorate and bridges to exceed their designed lifetime due to a lack of funds from central and local government.
“Local roads are lifelines for many rural communities allowing access to support the economic, social and cultural well-beings of those that live, work and play outside of urban areas,” the submissions said.
The Feds were also concerned reduced speed limits would lead to reduced investment in the maintenance and improvement of vital parts of the roading network.
“This has been the case for many local and low volume roads in rural areas, with many being abandoned by councils for being too expensive to make fit-for-purpose after decades of underinvestment. The same should never be allowed for the state highways that connect our regions and country,” the submission said.
Consultation on the plan closed on December 12. Waka Kotahi’s plan can be read on their website
