Over half back speed limit reduction

CALLS for speed limit reductions at Tamarau, Okitu and Wainui gained support from over half of the respondents to this week’s Herald web poll, but plenty felt the limits should remain unchanged.

The question was “Do you think the speed limit on SH35 at Tamarau, Okitu and Wainui should be reduced to 50kmh, and the end of Okitu to the end of Tatapouri be reduced to 70kmh??”

Of the 515 people who responded, 286 (56 percent) felt the restrictions should be lowered, and 42 percent were opposed to any change. Two percent did not have a view either way.

Some of the “yes” comments included —

“Residents out there should be getting the same safety standards as people in town.”

“We want our children and community to be able to share the roads and use the cycleway safely.”

“The area is not rural anymore. Just extend the city limits as other cities do for residential areas.”

“For many kids it’s their way to school and they should be safe.”

“This needs to happen as soon as possible and should have happened yesterday. Too many accidents, too many close calls.”

“It will save wear and tear on the road, as well as save lives.”

“Stressful even walking along the footpath with children when there are logging trucks hurtling past going at least 70kmh.”

“It’s simply not safe to have so many large trucks etc moving past residential zones so fast. Kids have trouble getting across the road to school and people can’t get out of their driveways.”

Among those who opposed any change, one “no” voter said: “Policing of the 50km limit on Stout Street would be a better move.”

“It is up to the community out at Tamarau, Okitu and Wainui to get 75 percent resident approval to the idea before the council can even consider it,” said another.

Other “no” voter comments included: “It’s a state highway for crying out loud.”

“There is no problem with the road, long straights with good visibility. If Wainui parents are worried about their children crossing the road then they should be with their children to guide them.”

“I travel from Gisborne to Tolaga Bay every day. I don’t see any reason to slow the speed limit.”

“Unless there are police patrols 24/7 any reduction is a waste of time.”