Opinion: New speed limit for Tauranga Eastern Link is a breeze

Kristin Macfarlane is used to higher speed limits on roads, having lived in Australia. Photo / File

As of today, the State Highway 2 Tauranga Eastern Link toll road will have an increased speed limit of 110km/h.

Drivers will be able to travel 110km/h between the Paengaroa roundabout and the Domain Rd interchange.

I've heard different sides to this change. Some say they will probably now drive even faster because they already drive 110km/h and I've also heard people raise concerns about whether the speed change will mean more crashes because, as they say, the faster you go the bigger the mess.

Having lived in Australia, I'm no stranger to this speed limit and have often travelled on expressways or highways with a 110km/h speed limit.

In my experience, I've probably seen fewer crashes at those speed limits because the roads that have them are straighter than your average Kiwi road. They are direct, with people aware of their limitations.

It's just another day for those over there and it's likely to become the same here.

The TEL has been selected for the new speed limit because it is one of the safest roads in New Zealand with median barriers, no crossing roads, no tight curves and two lanes in each direction, which is said to reduce the risk of serious collisions happening.

I drive the TEL regularly, as I frequently travel between Tauranga and Rotorua and when I spotted the new speed limit signs, it seemed to make sense.

Let's hope all drivers take care on all roads at all times and we should all be fine - safe travels, people.