Speed limits on rural local roads will decrease from 80km/h to 60km/h from today, as part of a government strategy to reduce deaths and injuries on our roads.
Thousands of new road speed signs have been erected across the country reflecting the lower limits.
Over the last number of weeks local authorities have been replacing signage across the country to reflect the change.
The rural speed limit sign – a white circle with five diagonal black lines - will now indicate a maximum speed of 60km/h.
These roads are named with ‘L’ on maps and as these are mostly rural roads, it is believed the changes will have a relatively small impact on traffic and commute times.
The reduction is part of a government strategy to address rising road fatalities and is the first phase of a nationwide speed limit overhaul.
Later this year speed limits will be lowered from 50km/h to 30km/h in urban areas, town centres and housing estates while the speed limit on national secondary roads will also be reduced from 100km/h to 80km/h.
According to a 2023 Speed Limit Review, commissioned by the Department of Transport, implementing speed limit reductions results in notable safety benefits.
New Speed Limits: A Step Towards Safer Rural Roads
Table of Contents
In a notable move to enhance road safety,the government has implemented new speed limits on rural local roads. Effective today, the speed limit has decreased from 80km/h to 60km/h. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to reduce deaths adn injuries on our roads. Thousands of new road speed signs have been erected across the country, and local authorities have been actively replacing old signage to reflect these changes.
Interview with Road Safety Expert, Dr. Jane Thompson
Introduction to the New Speed Limits
Senior Editor, World-Today-News.com: Dr. Thompson, can you provide some insights into the recent changes to the speed limits on rural local roads?
Dr. Jane Thompson: Certainly. The government has lowered the speed limit on rural local roads from 80km/h to 60km/h. This change is part of a comprehensive strategy to improve road safety and reduce the number of fatalities and injuries on our roads.
Impact on Traffic and Commute Times
Senior Editor: How significant do you think these changes will be in terms of impacting traffic and commute times?
Dr. Thompson: These changes are expected to have a relatively small impact on traffic and commute times. The roads affected are primarily rural roads, which are less congested than urban areas.The new speed limits are designed to enhance safety without significantly disrupting daily commutes.
Government Strategy and Future Changes
Senior Editor: Can you elaborate on the government’s broader strategy regarding speed limits and upcoming changes?
dr. Thompson: This speed limit reduction is the first phase of a nationwide overhaul. Later this year, we will see speed limits lowered from 50km/h to 30km/h in urban areas, town centers, and housing estates. Additionally, the speed limit on national secondary roads will be reduced from 100km/h to 80km/h. These changes are aimed at creating a safer driving environment across the country.
Safety Benefits of Speed Limit Reductions
senior Editor: What are the expected safety benefits of these speed limit reductions?
Dr. Thompson: According to a 2023 Speed Limit Review commissioned by the Department of Transport, implementing speed limit reductions results in notable safety benefits. Lower speeds give drivers more time to react to unexpected situations, reduce the severity of accidents, and ultimately save lives.
Conclusion
Senior Editor: Dr.Thompson, what is yoru final take on these new speed limits and their potential impact on road safety?
Dr.thompson: I believe these changes are a positive step forward in improving road safety. By reducing speed limits, we are making our roads safer for everyone—drivers, passengers, and pedestrians alike. While there might potentially be some initial adjustments, the long-term benefits in terms of safety are well worth it.
Senior Editor, World-today-News.com: Thank you, Dr. Thompson, for your insights.
Dr. Jane Thompson: You’re welcome.
