New roads lead to fewer injuries

• Published date: 24 May 2023
• Publication title: Kapiti News

Leith said a report by the AA Research Foundation, Safety Benefits of New Roads, showed the opening of the Mackays to Peka Peka Expressway in 2017 had led to a 62 per cent reduction in deaths and serious injuries, with a single fatality yet to occur on the stretch

The opening of two new road sections last year, Te Aranui o Te Rangihaeata — Transmission Gully Motorway (TG) and the Peka Peka to Ōtaki Expressway (PP2O) promise similar hope in road safety progress, each significantly reducing accidents and deaths.

Leith said these changes not only represent increased security for vehicular travel, but in productivity and wellbeing.

“The increased certainty around travel and time spent travelling is life-changing for the energy levels of weary commuters who have battled traffic, long commute times, and unpredictable road closures for many years.

“Increased security and productivity have flow-on economic benefits, with many in Kāpiti feeling that business has already improved from TG, and early results from the PP2O look hopeful for Ōtaki.

“The elevated level of resilience...