A high-speed rural intersection in Carterton is now under a temporary slowdown.
Following two serious crashes this year at the Moreton and Rutland Rd intersection, the council has erected 50kmh speed signs.
The speed limit was previously 100kmh, but this sign has now been moved 100m past the intersection.
A council spokesperson said the work was approved after community members raised concerns over speeds and safety at the intersection.
“This is in addition to safety measures already put in place in April, when a new stop sign was erected, upgrading from a Give Way to a complete Stop.
“CDC’s roading team updated the markings and placed warning signs 200 metres out from the turning.
“However, this was not enough to deter some motorists from travelling through the intersection at 100kmh without stopping.”
Carterton Mayor Ron Mark was pleased the council had listened to residents and responded to their concerns, but said it was important road users adhered to the new safety measures for them to work.
“Council already made changes after community members raised concerns, but we need people to please slow down,” Mark said.
“We want to keep our community safe, and everyone has a part to play – we all want to be here for Christmas”.
The speed reductions are already in place, with a District-wide formal speed review set to take place in 2023.
It follows serious crashes in March and August where drivers had failed to give way or stop.
The council previously said the intersection and roads met the criteria and safety standards required and had no plans for imminent change following the August crash.
When asked why the council had now erected a 50kmh sign, a spokesperson said it was a “temporary interim safety measure while we await the formal consultation process in early 2023”
“We need to await the results of Waka Kotahi’s speed review of the State Highways before we can review the rest of our roads.
“We still stand by the statement made in August.
“The safety measures we had in place were adequate if adhered to, however, an interim speed reduction pending a formal review is a good way to measure whether these extra safety measures will help reduce the risk of crashes further.
“We can’t emphasise enough that even a speed reduction will not be effective unless it is adhered to by road users.”
Waka Kotahi consulted on its proposal last year to drop the state highway limit to 80kmh through Wairarapa.
It is still working on its review of speed limits between Masterton and Featherston and has not released a decision following consultation.
Temporary speed reductions have however been in place on State Highway 2 while safety improvements are being worked on.– NZLDR
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