Waka Kotahi NZTA will lower the speed limit on SH2 between Masterton and Featherston from 100kmh to 80kmh. Flynn Nicholls asked motorists at a petrol station what they thought of the changes.
Carlo Schultz
“I travel to Wellington every day, 1000km a week. It’s crazy. I can’t think why they’re doing it. That’s my time they’re wasting. They need to think about the traveller. I don’t mind going slower in the towns, but on the open highways, what’s the point? The roads are flat-as to the hill!”
Leon Neemia
“That’s definitely wrong, 100kmh is good, maybe even 110. I’ll tell you what, it makes me not want to go anywhere. Imagine a 40-tonne truck trying to stop suddenly at 100kmh or even 90 or 80; it can’t. NZTA needs to improve the road, not reduce the speed limit.”
Mark Tauroa
“At first I thought, why do they want to lower the speed limit? But then I reconsidered. I think it’s a good idea because there are houses along there and it’s a school bus route. Safety is important.”
Nicola Seta
“I can’t see it making a difference; it’s all about being sensible. I think 100kmh is a safe speed on the open road. The roadworks are already making Wellington a very long commute from Masterton – I do it once a fortnight. Masterton can’t afford to cut itself off from Wellington commuters.”
Tina Paku
“It takes too long to travel between Carterton and Masterton – at the moment, it’s an hour round trip. Look at Australia, 110kmh is the limit there. People will speed regardless of the speed limit. When it goes to 80kmh, slow drivers will now just crawl along at 60kmh. It’s bloody ridiculous!”
Jenny Keating
“100kmh is absolutely a good limit on the open road. Driver competence and road conditions need to be improved, but the speed limit should stay the same. But I will say the new roundabouts are good. Those intersections were all hazardous and roundabouts are very good if used properly.”
Scott Johnston
“I reckon it’s a bit silly, slowing everything down. It will take me a lot longer to travel to work from Featherston. Realistically, if you can’t manage 100kmh on the open road, you probably shouldn’t be driving. I’m all for the roundabouts, but people will still speed in an 80 kmh zone, and slow drivers will just cause more road rage.”
TeRina Kaiwai
“I haven’t had too much time to think about it, but I’d say the faster you go, the bigger the mess.”
