Lowering of Tarras speed limit proposed

• Published date: 01 December 2022
• Publication title: Central Otago News

The issue of speed limits through Tarras was raised at a recent community meeting, with confusion around speed limits requirements outside schools

Tarras School, located alongside SH8, has a growing school roll with more families moving into the area.

The speed limit through the township was 80kmh and remained the same outside the school.

Tarras resident Rachelle Haslegrave said the stretch of road was a growing concern.

“The majority of the time most drivers fly through at 100 [kmh] because who’s watching them for that 400m?” Ms Haslegrave said.

A tight 35km corner when coming from the north of town was just outside the 80kmh zoning as well.

When travelling south, the speed limit increased to 100kmh before the SH8 and 8A intersection, towards Wanaka.

Local concerns were raised with the return of tourism and the intersection being a high crash zone.

“Some people are flying down there — and you get some people who are unsure of what direction they’re going,” Ms Haslegrave said.

Community suggestions were for a lower speed limit before the Tarras Hall and past the SH8 and 8A intersection.

A Waka Kotahi spokesperson said Tarras was one of a number of schools in Otago included in the recently released interim speed management plan.A variable 30kmh speed limit was proposed outside/near the Tarras School with an implementation timeframe between 2023-27.

Waka Kotahi principal safety engineer in Otago Roy Johnston confirmed Tarras urban area’s speed review was considered to be included in the 2024-27 National Land Transport Plan.

Central Otago District Council infrastructure Quinton Penniall said consultation would open from November 14 to December 12 for the Draft Interim State Highway Speed Management Plan.

“Section 5 of the Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2022 details speed limits around schools. This sets the maximum speed limit...