Speed reduction for deadly highway won't happen immediately

Lowering the speed limit on the section of highway known as Waikato's "road of death" will not happen immediately, if at all, say police.

Yesterday, traffic policing managers from Counties-Manukau and Waikato met with road authorities and the Fire Service to discuss ways to make the 10km stretch of State Highway 2 between Mangatawhiri and Maramarua safer. Thirty-five people have died on that section of road in the past five years.

Proposals discussed at the meeting included increased and improved road signage, road markings to channel traffic, and rumble strips for edge and centre lines.

Remodelling passing lanes, removing obstacles such as trees and altering T-intersections were also discussed. Last week, police suggested reducing speed limits along the stretch of road from 100 km/h to 80 km/h.

Waikato road policing manager Inspector Leo Tooman said lowering the speed limit would not happen overnight.

"There are quite strict criteria that have to be met ... and any reduction would have to be part of a broad strategy.

"Lowering the limit needs to be combined with a change to the environment so drivers change their habits. Such changes should occur in the road's layout and in driver education," he said.

Mr Tooman said analysis of fatal crashes showed most of the offending drivers were heading to Auckland when they crashed on the section of highway. This indicated fatigue could be a factor.

Transit New Zealand regional manager Chris Allen said plans were already in place to build a bypass from Mangatawhiri to Maramarua golf course by 2008, but Transit recognised the need for improvements in the interim.

Mr Tooman said until changes were made, police were urging drivers to watch their speed and keep left.

Another meeting between the parties has been scheduled for early February.

- NZPA