The Bluff Community Board is urging transport officials to review speed limits on the approach to the township, saying a gradual reduction could make the area safer for residents and drivers.
At a meeting held last night, board members approved a draft letter to the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) asking for a reassessment of the current speed limits on State Highway 1 near Ocean Beach. The board wants the agency to consider introducing a staged reduction in speed as vehicles approach Bluff.
Under the proposal, the speed limit would drop from 100 kilometres per hour to 70 kilometres per hour near the intersection with Nichol Rd. It would then reduce further to 50 kilometres per hour at the entrance to the township.
Currently, drivers travel at 100 kilometres per hour before reaching a sudden drop to 50 kilometres per hour at the Bluff entry point. Board members believe adding a transitional zone would help motorists slow down more safely and comfortably before entering the town.
Board chair Ray Fife said the request was driven by concerns for the safety and wellbeing of the local community.
“The wellbeing of our community is at the heart of every decision we make,” he said.
“We know that a reduction in speed can minimise harm in the event of a motor vehicle collision, and the additional transitional space – for drivers to gradually go from 100 to 70 and then 50 kilometres an hour – would give those behind the wheel time to adjust to a changed speed environment.”
The Bluff Community Board has previously asked NZTA to consider similar changes. However, those requests were not included in recent speed limit reviews carried out across the wider Southland region.
Board members say they remain committed to raising the issue and working with transport officials to improve road safety near the township.
As part of that effort, the board has also invited representatives from NZTA to attend a future meeting. The aim would be to discuss what steps are needed for the proposed speed limit changes to be formally considered and potentially introduced.
Fife said the board hoped a direct discussion with the agency would help clarify the process and move the proposal forward.