Future of Te Puke speed limit to be decided

There is proposed speed limit reduction on the busy highway between Domain Rd and Te Puke. Photo/file

The future of the State Highway 2 speed limit at Te Puke is expected to be decided upon today.

The Western Bay of Plenty District Council will meet this afternoon to decide whether to turn the section of SH2 from Papamoa to Te Puke and from Te Puke to Paengaroa from 100km/h to 80km/h.

The council called for submissions on the subject earlier this year and have since been inundated with feedback, a majority of which supported keeping the speed limit status quo.

Last month, the council heard more than 10 verbal submissions at a public meeting after more than 400 written submissions were made on the proposal.

Te Puke resident Alain Ventelou said at the meeting, reducing the limit would put people off using the highway. They would most likely use the new toll road instead.

"A new form of highway robbery," he added.

Te Puke Community Board chairman Peter Miller said he would like the 100km/h speed limit maintained but for the council to review it in a year.

Mr Miller said the new Tauranga Eastern Link would reduce heavy traffic on the highway which would mean lower "frustration levels" for local drivers.