The number of serious crashes on Tasman District roads is increasing.
A NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) audit of our roading network found that crash and casualty numbers have been trending upward over the last five years, with a total of 82 crashes involving death or serious injury.
We are joining Police, NZTA, and ACC to support the Better Together campaign to deter Tasman drivers from driving above the speed limit.
District Road Policing Manager, Inspector Martin Tunley says as a community we mustn’t tolerate this dangerous behaviour of driving above the speed limit.
“When people choose to speed, they’re putting not only themselves, but their passengers and other people on the road at risk.”
He says everyone should expect Police to enforce anytime, anywhere on our roads.
“There’s no excuse for speeding. If you’re driving above the speed limit, expect the appropriate enforcement action.”
Tasman District Council Transportation Manager Jamie McPherson is in full support of the campaign, with the latest figures showing serious crashes on Tasman local roads (not state highways) are increasing.
“The evidence is very clear from multiple New Zealand and international studies that death and serious injuries were reduced where speed limits have been reduced on rural roads.”
Jamie says it is hard to argue with physics. This is why recent speed limit reductions have been targeted to our higher-risk rural roads such as the Moutere Highway. Drivers need to treat driving as the high-risk activity that it is.
Photo: Deputy Mayor and Deputy Chair of the Joint Regional Transport Committee Brent Maru, Councillor Jo Ellis, District Road Policing Manager Inspector Martin Tunley, and Transportation Manager Jamie McPherson.