Campaign to 'get real' at roadworks

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 567, 20 December 1994, Page 9

Campaign to 'get real' at roadworks

Motorists will soon find it easier to get through roadworks - but a summer enforcement campaign could result in heavy fines for speedsters. Transit New Zealand aims to reduce the number of motorists speeding through roadworks by making speed limits more realistic. Previously, most roadworks have had temporary speed limits of 30km/h but new specifications allow for varying speeds according to the type of works. New Zealand police superintendent of traffic programmes, Ray Whatmough, says fines for speeding through roadworks will range from $30 for up to lOkm/h above the speed limit to $490 for motorists exceeding the limit by 50km/h. Detection will be done by radar or speed camera and speeds more than 50km/h above the limit will result in a court summons. Transit New Zealand' s Wanganui regional manager

Graham Taylor says motorists often think 90km/h will do when there is a 30km/h speed restriction at roadworks. "We want people to know when they see a 30km/h restriction they must reduce to that level to get through safely," said Mr Taylor, "but whereever possible we're advocating keeping the traffic at 70km/h or more." The new specifications, which are also supported by contractors, consultants, the Land Transport Safety Authority and the Automobile Association, aim to keep traffic flowing as freely as possible. Control mechanisms include graduated advisory speeds prior to the enforced limit, tapering traffic cones and flagspeople. Contractors must now supply Transit New Zealand with a traffic management plan before commencing work and all works must have a site safety manager, who can be dismissed if the traffic management plan is not adhered to. Formal traffic management safety training of consultants and contractors is also required. ,