Letter to the Editor Tuesday December 3, 2013

Yet again

And yet again the problem has arisen regarding the speed limits along State Highway 1 around Pamapuria School. It was only a few months ago I was writing in regarding this matter.

I've lived in the area my entire life (almost 18 years), and for 12 years of that I walked along that stretch of road every day for school. The amount of drivers clearly speeding in that area really amazes me; despite there being a school AND someone walking along the roadside drivers continue to overtake or disobey the 100 km/h limit. There have been so many accidents along this piece of road, really it's a miracle no vehicle has gone through the fence and injured or killed a child.

What is NZTA doing about this? NOTHING! Pamapuria's desperate cries to have the speed limit lowered around the school has fallen upon deaf ears. What is it going to take? A student to be seriously injured or killed as a result of a speeding driver?

Yes, we do have the warning signs that flash when drivers are travelling over 100 km/h but what's the point in that? How come Pakaraka School for example, have big bright 70km/h signs? It's a rural school along State Highway 1, no difference to Pamapuria School.

Please watch your speed, especially around rural settlements and schools. If NZTA isn't going to do anything then we need to step up as a community and use our common sense. One day it could be you, your whanau or your friends.

There's no excuse for speeding. We will continue to plead for the speed to be lowered, but to really make a difference everyone has to do their bit.

CRYING FOR HELP

Pamapuria