The social cost of car crashes in the Waikato District is estimated to be between $73 and $77 million every year.
There are, on average, eight deaths and 219 injuries (59 of them serious) caused by accidents on the district’s roads every year.
Those stats alone highlight the need for a safer road system in the district.
One of the many tools used to make the Waikato District’s roads safer is out for consultation today (9 October).
Waikato District Council is seeking feedback on its 2018 Proposed Amendments to the Waikato District Council Speed Limits Bylaw 2011.
Council started a three-year programme to address speed limits through this bylaw last year and Year 2’s focus is on high risk rural roads and roads affected by rapid growth.
Early engagement with community boards and committees throughout the district led to the following areas of focus for this year’s amendments – Ngaruawahia, Tamahere, Tuakau, Horsham Downs and Te Kowhai.
Council has also found out that the community overwhelmingly wants safer speeds around where they live, and safer speeds where their children go to school.
The community is urged to go to Waikato District Council’s website to have a look at the roads earmarked for a speed limit reduction.
An interactive map will display potentially affected roads and the public will be able to make a submission at www.waikatodistrict.govt.nz/speedlimits
To encourage conversation around speed on roads, Council is also inviting the community to drop-in sessions at:
Tamahere Hall, Wednesday 31 October, 1.45pm – 6.30pm
Ngaruawahia Memorial Hall, Thursday 1 November, 3.30pm-7.30pm
Tuakau Memorial Hall (Supper rooms) – Monday 5 November, 3.30pm – 7.30pm
Waikato District Council Roading Safety Engineer Gareth Bellamy hopes the public will get involved and make submissions.
“This process is largely being driven by our community, so we are very keen to hear their thoughts on our proposed speed limit reductions, either at one of our drop-in sessions or via the website,” he says.
Next year the focus will fall on the Raglan area, although roads next to Te Mata School are being considered this year.
Feedback forms are also available at all Waikato District Council offices and libraries.
Submissions are open now and close on 9 November 2018.
If you would like to present your submission to Council, a Hearing has been scheduled for 12 December 2018.
For more information please call 0800 492 452.
